BLACKSBURG, Va. – Nearly 100,000 people are expected to descend on Blacksburg for Wednesday’s Metallica concert, bringing a significant boost to local businesses.
The anticipation is already building around town as local businesses prepare for what many expect to be larger than typical game day crowds.
“We’re expecting more business than we would on a game day typically,” said Kristen Chavarria, Mellow Mushroom General Manager. “I’ve heard 85 to over 100,000 [people].”
Local establishments like Mellow Mushroom and J.H. Bards are gearing up for the massive influx of concert-goers.
“It’s all about planning and strategy and then yeah we’re good to go,” Chavarria said.
Jason Hardy, co-owner of J.H. Bards, said it is a once in a lifetime experience.
The establishment plans to open Tuesday, typically a closed day, to accommodate early arrivals.
“We think there is going to be a big crowd,” Hardy said. “We are also doing a special pop-up bar upstairs in Kent Square. Metallica is bringing their pop up shop up there and we want to be a part of that as well.”
Both businesses anticipate crowds from Tuesday through Thursday, providing a welcome boost as they approach the slower post-graduation season.
“We really take days like this, just really really revel in it, do as much as we can to make those connections with the people in the community that maybe don’t come out on a regular basis,” Chavarria said.
“A band like Metallica coming to small town like Blacksburg and actually playing in Lane Stadium where we play Sandman 6-8 times a year, its way exciting for us and we’re happy to be nearby,” Hardy said.
Countless trucks and crews continue preparations at Lane Stadium for the Wednesday performance.