National network broadcast showcases return of tourism by selecting successful Orlando entertainment complex
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 19, 2021) – NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt created a special broadcast to showcase the return of tourism across the U.S. and made its first stop the theme park capital of the world, Orlando.
The site selected by NBC to host the live national broadcast was ICON Park, the twenty-acre $300 million entertainment destination located in the International Drive Resort Area. ICON Park was the first Orlando attraction to present a reopening plan and receive approval from the local government, safely reopening ahead of all major theme parks.
In the past year, as travel restrictions eased, ICON Park led the charge to connect with important audiences: Orlando locals and drive market residents of Florida, Georgia and Alabama by rallying neighboring businesses to re-branded its spot in the International Drive Resort Area from “tourist corridor” to the Orlando Entertainment District.
Businesses have taken note, and ICON Park has leased or renovated nearly 100,000 square feet throughout the entertainment complex and over $20 million has been invested in new projects and renovations. The main hub of ICON Park, the Wheelhouse, has been renovated and now includes new tenants, a grand entrance, new bars, flooring, and ticketing.
“Our recent activity highlights why we have signed or opened 12 new tenants in the past 12 months – in the last 30 days at ICON Park we hosted Blake Shelton at his Ole Red restaurant, Gordon Ramsay announced to his 80 million social media followers that he was opening a restaurant here, and NBC broadcasted its premiere national news show here,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, ICON Park president and CEO. “Just as visitors are attracted to quality, interesting and affordable dining and entertainment destinations, businesses want to operate where there is a high concentration of success, especially in the food, beverage and entertainment segments.”
The 30-minute live broadcast from ICON Park included a segment that started with Holt inside a capsule of ICON Park’s signature attraction, The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel that is recognized as an iconic part of the Orlando skyline.
To learn more about ICON Park, visit: https://iconparkorlando.com. To learn more about leasing opportunities at ICON Park, visit: http://bit.ly/ICONparkCBRE.
About ICON Park
ICON Park™ is a 20-acre, walkable entertainment destination in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District on International Drive. A perfect place to ride, dine, drink and explore, ICON Park has more than 40 amazing restaurants, funky bars, boutique shops and can’t-miss attractions, all anchored by The Wheel, a jaw-dropping observation wheel that stands 400 feet – 40 stories – in the air. Guests can visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Museum of Illusions, In The Game ICON Park and 7D Motion Theater. Dining options include Yard House, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Uncle Julio’s Mexican From Scratch, Tin Roof, Sugar Factory, Tapa Toro, Shake Shack and more. Free parking is available in a multi-level, on-site garage, just steps from all the action. Learn more at ICONParkOrlando.com. Follow ICON Park on social media @ICONParkOrlando.
Media Contact
Will Wellons
Wellons Communications
407-339-0879
will@wellonscommunications.com
