Interested to see what other UP'ers think about this ....
http://www.wftv.com/...fic-trea/nGPS3/
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Orlando city officials told WFTV that they're giving VIP ticket-holders their own lanes of traffic through downtown Orlando during next month's NBA All-Star game.
Certain roads surrounding the Amway Center will be closed for game events, but VIP drivers will still be able to use them.
City officials said a lot of this is being mandated by the NBA, but it really comes down to accommodating people expected to spend upwards of $60 million over four days.
Officials said the city hasn't generated cash like that at once since the 1994 World Cup.
In five weeks, 80,000 people are expected to hit Orlando. That's nearly half the city's population.
Orlando resident Catherine Reyes said she is already dreading the traffic nightmare.
"Especially when there's that going on, and you shut down more streets," Reyes said.
During the four-day all-star event, not only will the city put up a fence around the Amway Center to keep everyday people away from the Amway Center, but on Tuesday, WFTV got the first look at a map that shows how the NBA is asking the city to shut down and reserve major roads for VIPs.
Streets will be closed from West Church Street to Garland, and North Central Avenue to Anderson.
When drivers get off I-4 at South Street, they will have to go through a security checkpoint set up in the middle of the intersection. Only VIPs will be allowed to go straight, and left toward the Amway Center. Everyone else will be directed east of downtown.
WFTV asked transportation engineer Frank Consoli if they're getting special treatment.
"Somewhat. But you forget they're also spending a lot of money in Orlando," Consoli said.
Orlando residents said they spend money, too, every day, and this sends the wrong message.
"If you make a little more money, little bit of a high roller, then get special treatment," Reyes said.
When WFTV asked Reyes "Is that fair?" Reyes said, "No, definitely not!"
But Orlando resident Mark Smith sees no reason to complain about the event expected to pour $65 million to $80 million into the city.
"If we look at the little things and complain about that, they might not come back," Smith said.
WFTV found out that other cities have made similar accommodations for VIPs during All-Star Weekend.
City officials said the NBA wanted even more roads shut down, but they had to draw the line somewhere.
City engineers will be able to control traffic lights to keep all of the traffic moving.
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LDG, on 31 August 2011 - 09:50 AM, said:
