D.C. tourism and events officials had at least a passing hope that the boxing rematch between Lamont Peterson and Amir Khan, who fought at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center back in December, could end up being in the District.
No dice: It’ll be in Vegas.
But that doesn’t mean at least some D.C. officials won’t be able to catch the fight, should they desire. The event is scheduled the same weekend that the International Council of Shopping Centers is holding RECon 2012, the major industry event for retailers (and those cities that want to draw them in).
ICSC normally sees lots of attendance from D.C. officials, whether it be council members, economic development officials or the mayor himself. The rematch is scheduled for May 19 at Mandalay Bay Casino. ICSC kicks off May 20.
The December fight, while challenged from a judging perspective, was a win for the local economy: More than 8,000 people attended the event. It’s no surprise that Events D.C. leaders would like to draw more similar events to Washington. Maybe they can head to Vegas this spring and do some networking.
