Citing Beyoncé bump, mayor wants Bey to stay longer
If Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" shows this weekend are anything like her "Renaissance" residency here in 2023, you can expect pop magic and a big fan named Mayor Brandon Johnson in the audience.
Flashback: The last time she was here, the superstar famously waved and shouted "Hello, Brandon" as she soared over Soldier Field suspended by wires.
The latest: We asked Johnson which night he'd be joining the BeyHive this time, but he demurred.
What he's saying:"I'm grateful that we are attracting more big concerts," he told Axios. "Last year in 2024, our [hotel] occupancy rate downtown was almost 70% and our revenue from our downtown development and activity almost approached pre-pandemic numbers."
By the numbers: Cities along the "Cowboy Carter" tour are seeing hotel prices surge by 178% while Airbnb searches for Chicago this weekend rose by 100% earlier this spring.
Yes, but: Which night is the mayor attending? "As far as what I do outside of work, I haven't made a decision yet, quite frankly, but I wish she would stay two more days, because it certainly helps our revenue stream," he said.
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