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Local businesses hoping for economic impact during BMW Championship

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) – Thousands of people are in town visiting this week for the BMW Championship in Carmel.

The golf tournament is estimated to bring in millions of dollars for the local economy in central Indiana.

The BMW Championship is being held for the second time in four years. Local businesses are hoping to attract new customers with many specials and discounts this week.

The Arts and Design District is about 15 minutes away from the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club.

“A lot of neat little boutiques and shops, art galleries, it’s kind of becoming a thriving area, a part we’re excited to be a part of here,” said Scott Burton, business owner.

Scott Burton is the owner of Peace Water Winery.

He’s been in business for about two years.

“We love seeing new faces walk through the door so we’re actually encouraging people to come in and bring their tickets with them,” he said. “We’ll give them free wine tasting.”

The special offer is part of a marketing plan with Hamilton County to promote local businesses.

“We’re very much looking forward to it, we always get a lot of sports fans in here now with Grand Park up in our area here,” he said.

A spokesperson for the tournament told 24-Hour News 8 spectators spent around $30 million dollars at hotels and restaurants in 2012.

They’re expecting more visitors the second time around compared to four years ago with an estimated 150,000 people.

“I mean you got the 70 best golfers in the world so everybody’s going to want to come and see that,” said Dave Olecki, spectator.

Dave Olecki and his family didn’t have to travel very far to enjoy the day on the golf course. They live in Carmel.

“We hung out by the driving range and the putting green mostly,” said Olecki. “They had a kids only autograph area which was really cool. The kids got some great autographs from some of their favorite players.”

Olecki said the crowd wasn’t too bad Tuesday afternoon. He’s anticipating for more people to come later on during the week.

“It’s going to bring in a ton of people from out of town,” said Olecki. “It’s going to be great for the restaurants around town.”

A couple of streets will be closed during the week to accommodate traffic and parking.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said 146th Street between Ditch Road and Towne Road will be one-way westbound from Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Towne Road will also be closed to traffic between 141st Street and 146th Street.