Football
Associated Press 19y

Denver expects NBA All-Star game to boost economy, image

DENVER -- This month's NBA All-Star game will make Denver
the only city in the country to have held four all-star games in
seven years, and city officials are reveling in the spotlight.

"It's hard to find the words to express how big a deal this is
for the city and the rest of the state," Mayor John Hickenlooper
said Thursday.

Since 1998, major league baseball, the National Hockey League
and the National Lacrosse League have brought their all-star games
to Denver.

Hickenlooper said the Feb. 20 NBA game may be the biggest sports
event ever for the city.

"With increased revenues, increased tourism and especially
worldwide exposure, Denver will be experiencing benefits for years
to come," he said.

City officials said tens of thousands of people were expected to
travel to Denver for the game and private events, spending about
$30 million on limousines, hotels, meals and other amenities.

The game is to be broadcast live to 214 countries in 43
languages, reaching an estimated 3.1 billion viewers, Hickenlooper
said.

The city has budgeted nearly $2.1 million for police overtime
and other expenses. Some of that will be reimbursed by the NBA.

Police Chief Gerry Whitman said all available officers will work
12-hour shifts through the game weekend. He said parking and
traffic are the only major problems he anticipates, and he urged
residents to use public transportation to get downtown.

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