Gymnastics Stars Shine in Hartford for Core Hydration Classic

The Core Hydration Classic brings gymnastics stars to Hartford’s XL Center, boosting local businesses

Hartford’s XL Center is buzzing with excitement as some of the biggest names in the gymnastics world, including Suni Lee, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles, gather for the Core Hydration Classic. This meet is not only a showcase of incredible talent but also serves as a final chance for athletes to qualify for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, a crucial step towards the Paris Olympics this summer.

The star power at the XL Center has put Hartford in the spotlight for the weekend, with businesses in the area reaping the benefits. Erin Sweeney from Vaughns Public House on Pratt Street emphasized the importance of events like this for downtown businesses, stating, “It’s huge, it can’t be understated how important stuff like this is for downtown.”

The senior women’s category, featuring gymnastics icons like Biles, Lee, and Douglas, is set to kick off on Saturday, drawing in crowds and generating excitement among local businesses. Sweeney mentioned that the event has led to increased foot traffic and a surge in customers, with businesses along Pratt Street seeing a boost in sales.

David Griggs from the Metro Hartford Alliance highlighted the positive impact of events like the Core Hydration Classic on the entire downtown area, noting that it brings fresh eyes to what Hartford has to offer. Businesses like the Gentle Bull Shop have also noticed an increase in traffic, with owner Gabrielle Rodrigue mentioning that big events at the XL Center always lead to more customers walking through their doors.

As Hartford continues to attract major events and draw in crowds, local businesses are reaping the benefits and showcasing the vibrant and growing downtown scene. The Core Hydration Classic is not only a thrilling gymnastics competition but also a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement in the heart of Hartford.