The Ironman 70.3 Kickoff Party is in Augusta, Maine Tonight

As far as the economy is concerned, one of the greatest things to happen in Central Maine has been the multi-year deal that brings the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon to the Augusta area each July.

Between the spending of the competitors, their support staff, their families, and the volunteers needed to make the event happen, the economic impact has been massive.

You have to think, each of these nearly ten thousand people need a place to stay, they need to eat food, and they need to fuel their vehicles.  On top of that, most of them need to buy the occasional miscellaneous items like batteries, toiletries, and other small items.

In total, these purchases amount to millions of dollars.

Not to mention the fact that the event has exposed tens of thousands of people to an area that they never would have considered visiting.

The Ironman Kickoff Party

This year, the kickoff party is open to not just competitors and support staff.  Instead, it will be open to everyone who wants to stop by.

According to the KV Chamber Facebook page, the bar is sponsored by White Duck Brew Pub & Island Park Brewing.

There'll be food trucks, a DJ spinning music, and lawn games.

The event will close out at 9 with an epic fireworks display!

The Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

According to the Ironman website, the event gets kicked off at 6 AM on Sunday morning.  As the first event is a swim in the Kennebec River, the starting point will be downtown Augusta.

Be aware that there will be some traffic backups caused by the event.  Get all the details about road detours and closures HERE.