Elton John has won 5 Grammys, sold 250-million records, had nine number-one hits --- and he's coming to Youngstown.
The Covelli Centre made the official announcement Monday.
Elton John could be one of the biggest names to ever come to Youngstown and the financial impact downtown could be huge.
Soon those in Youngstown can sing right alongside the legendary Elton John. He's set to come to the Covelli Centre this spring for the first time in history.
"To be honest with you, I never would have dreamt we would have Elton John at the Covelli Centre when I took the job two years ago. I never would have dreamt, said Eric Ryan, GM of the Covelli Centre.
Ryan told us getting a world-class performer to come here shows the quality events the Covelli Centre is capable of attracting.
"When you call somebody and they say, who played your venue, and you tell them Elton John, you're there! You know, you're there, and we're certainly going to cherish this one and hopefully we can continue this trend," said Ryan.
The financial impact of concerts like Elton John's will not only be felt at the Covelli Centre but also businesses and restaurants downtown, like Cafe Cimmento.
"Just keep bringing the concerts," said George Mager, owner of Cafe Cimmento. "I think Eric Ryan is doing a very good job. He's turning it around and that's what we need. I think it helps everybody downtown."
Chuck Sop, owner of Rosetta Stone, is already planning for Elton John.
"We will be turning people away that night, so make your reservations early. We're going to do a buffet so everybody can get in and out for the show, but downtown's going to be packed that night."
"The resurgence of this town is something we believe in here at the Centre and I think it's going to get contagious, you know. People are going to come to downtown Youngstown and watch Elton John. That's amazing," said Ryan.
The concert is expected to draw people from all over the region so hotels should also see a boom to business.
Again, the concert is set for Saturday May 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Friday morning. Prices range from $39 to $139.
You can buy tickets through either Ticketmaster or by calling the box office at 1-800-745-3000.
