According to WNY tourism officials, the widely anticipated UFC 210 event scheduled for April 8 is already having a positive impact on downtown Buffalo's economy.
Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, said many hotels were at capacity for Saturday night and rooms on Friday were quickly disappearing. Those out of town visitors should be a big boost for Buffalo restaurants and businesses, according to Kaler.
"This is a very big deal for Buffalo," Kaler explained. "The last time we had UFC here was 1995. To have the return, we're starting to see a really good pickup with our hotels which will trickle down to restaurants and bars and everything else for people to enjoy while they're here."
That's not to mention the recognition hosting a major event like UFC 210 will bring to the city.
"To say that it's taking place in Buffalo, New York, that will resonate with people who are watching from home," Kaler said. "But to actually have it here in Buffalo is a great opportunity for us."
Stan Makowski, VP of Arena Operations for the Key Bank Center, said the UFC event fits in with their goal of making Buffalo a destination for sports and entertainment.
"We're trying to continue to develop Buffalo as a place to go and a great place to live," he explained. "So this is just one more of those great events."
