COLUMBUS, Ohio — Local business owners say changes regarding who can attend the Arnold Sports Festival have many concerned about their bottom line.
Business owner Fadi Michael says with thousands of athletes and sports enthusiasts downtown for the Arnold, the weekend is typically a busy one.
“This is one of the biggest weekends for us,” Michael says.
Michael says an announcement from the mayor and Governor Mike DeWine banning spectators from many Arnold events have many worried about how many visitors will venture out to local bars and restaurants.
“We’re coming in here, opening the doors, not knowing who is going to come in, so if there is any health issue, it is already here," he says.
Combined with advertising, sponsorships and special events, Michaels says he spent $20,000 ahead of the weekend and is unsure if he will be able to recoup. The business owner says he wants to spread the word that despite major changes, his businesses and several others are in fact open.
“The take home message is we’re open. We welcome everybody, and you know, we are going to try to have a successful weekend.”