Thousands of basketball fans are converging on downtown Lexington this week for the annual high school state tournament. It might be a brand new experience, or a lifelong experience for attendees.
Well before the start of the first game of the 98th high school championship tourney, the Rupp Arena lobby was buzzing. Taylor County teenagers McKayla Sabo and Corey Briggs made their first ever trip to the Sweet 16. It's been a long time since their team has made it to the tournament. "About 32 years ago our team came, first time in a while," said Sabo. "We're excited to be here," said Briggs.
Then there are tournament veterans like Jerry Kistner, whose Owen County team didn't make it to the big dance, but he still attended. He estimates this is his 50th visit to the Sweet 16.
The competition to crown a new state champ falls at a good time for many businesses at the Lexington Center. The tourney arrives as the University of Kentucky men's regular basketball season wraps up. Virginia Burchett , manager of a greeting card store, says game day is different than other days. "Well, there's really no comparison since the tournament brings in so many people that do not have the opportunity or the need as they may see it to come to the center to shop," said Burchett.
The exact number of visitors and economic impact on the city is hard to gauge. A representative with the Convention and Visitors Bureau says 11 teams contracted 961 hotel rooms for this week.?
