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February 2, 2012
Brooklyn 'courts' more tourists with Barclays Center venue
amNY
by Erik Ortiz
Brooklyn's making a play for the millions of tourists who come to the city -- and wagering that its new arena will win over more visitors.
Elected officials and sports execs want to give Manhattan a run for its tourism dollars, although it is uncertain whether the new Barclays Center -- set to open Sept. 28 with a gala concert by Jay-Z, a part owner of the Nets -- will score.
"When all is said and done, it will be another jewel in the crown of Brooklyn," Tony Muia, who runs "A Slice of Brooklyn" bus tour, said of the upcoming arena.
Tour buses are exactly what we need at the confluence of Flatbush, Atlantic and Fourth Avenues.
Triangle Sports, a 96-year-old business across from Barclays Center, is being sold. It could become an upscale restaurant or retailer catering to visitors and locals alike.
"The stretch [of Flatbush Avenue] is packed," said Geoff Bailey, vice president of retail services for TerraCRG, which is marketing the Triangle Sports property. "There are new restaurants coming and [that are] rumored to include big New York chefs. It gives people a reason to come to the area and linger."
Because nothing says "fine dining" like an arena.
Posted by eric at February 2, 2012 11:10 AM