Phish reunion tour pumps $5 million in hotel, restaurant and retail sales into Hampton, VA economy

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Restaurants, hotels celebrate Phish's return, too

http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/entertainment/2009/03/10/D96RFTB00_phish_dollars/index.html

Mar 10th, 2009 | HAMPTON, Va. -- Tourism officials say Phish heads brought their appetites and wallets -- not just dope -- to the jamband's weekend reunion.

The Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau reported Tuesday that the estimated 75,000 fans who flocked to the coastal Virginia city generated $5 million in hotel, restaurant and retail sales, a figure that could grow by $2 million to $3 million.

A manager at Hooters said the restaurant sold a week's worth of wings and beer over three days.

Monday, police said they seized $1.2 million worth of drugs during the encampment of Phish fans. By Tuesday, police revised their arrest total from 194 to nearly 250.

[malta blue]

1. 1.2 million in drugs?

Those must be some kiiind nugs :smoke:

[Webster Green]

4. Drugs or pot?

Those pigs are fucking idiots. Don't they have any higher priorities? :hippie:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

5. Yep...did not read one single word about "violent crime" or "assault."

Bunch of Phish fans with money to spend in a fucking recession-slash-depression. Let's make an example of them.

:rant:

[malta blue]

6. I agree wholeheartedly.

[Thothmes]

8. All varities of drugs were confiscated

several fans were rushed to local hospitals for drug related usage.

[wtbymark]

2. "police revised their arrest total from 194 to nearly 250"

The game is back afoot - walk light in ur Birks and watch ur back :)

[malta blue]

7. More revenue that way...

:crazy:

[tekisui]

3. Instead of welcoming the $5 million in revenue, the pigs want to bust

some folks having a good time. :mad: :mad: