Businesses prepare for F1 crowds

AUSTIN (KXAN) - November’s Formula One race could be a huge opportunity for downtown businesses, but it could also bring problems if they are not prepared for the crowds.

“Our members kept asking us how they could get prepared and what they needed to do,” said Phyllis Snodgrass with the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

On Friday, 36 volunteers spent the afternoon walking from door-to-door downtown to discuss the three-day race weekend with businesses.

“We know that businesses have handled Austin City Limits Fest and South-By-Southwest, but this is going to be an even larger event,” said Rodney Gonzales with the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Office.

The volunteers passed out flyers with tips on how to handle the international crowd and remind them of two workshops on August 22 ^nd and 28 ^th that will discuss business strategies for welcoming race fans.

“It is about stocking your shelves because Texas memorabilia sells very quickly,” said Gonzales. “These are people that are going to eat locally and they are going to shop locally.

The majority of the estimated 300,000 fans taking part in race festivities are expected to come from somewhere outside of Texas.