Nearly Four Decades Later, The Piano Man Is Back In Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—It will be a busy weekend in Baltimore! For the first time in nearly four decades, the Piano Man is set to take the stage.
As WJZ's Meghan McCorkell reports, the sold out Billy Joel show is expected to bring in big bucks for Charm City.
He's one of the biggest acts in the world and this weekend Billy Joel will be right here in Baltimore.
M & T Bank Stadium is already getting ready for music royalty to take the stage.
"These type of events prove it. Soccer last weekend, Billy Joel this weekend," said Bryan Snyder.
Brian Snyder with BMORE Around Town is hosting a Billy Joel tailgate party for hundreds at GAME Sports & Spirits near the Horseshoe Casino.
Synder says big concerts mean big revenue for the city.
"The harbor, they thrive off of it. The hotels thrive off of it. Federal Hill businesses thrive off of it," he said.
The last concert at M & T Bank Stadium was Beyonce and Jay-Z which brought in $6.6 million in total spending and nearly a million in tax revenue.
Billy Joel isn't the only money maker in town. Otakon has also taken over Downtown Baltimore.
The colorful Anime convention draws people from all over the country, with people coming from New York and even Richmond, Virginia.
Officials say Otakon is one of highest grossing conventions in the city, bringing in over $10-million last year and bringing new faces to Baltimore.
"Bringing people back into the city--especially downtown--having them experience what is happening here, how many fun cool things are happening here, it's really good for the city," said Mike Evitts, Downtown Partnership.
And it's not over yet, pop sensation One Direction will come to Baltimore next month.
Officials are expecting the Billy Joel concert alone to bring in $10 million to Baltimore.
The Otakon conference will be in Baltimore until 2017, that's when it moves to D.C.