Giant waterslide coming to downtown Raleigh
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Raleigh is the place to be this weekend with two sold out events.
Glenwood South is about to get one slippery makeover.
Slide the City will transform Glenwood Ave. between Jones and Tucker Streets into a giant waterslide with 1,000 ft. of padded vinyl, spanning the length of three football fields.
"It's awesome! I can't wait to do it!" said Glenwood South resident Kelsey Pearce.
Slide the City is already making waves with downtown businesses, especially those new to the strip.
"We've been talking to everybody on Glenwood South, getting ready for this event. We know this event is one of the biggest in the nation," said Michael Szeto, general manager of Pho Pho Pho Noodle Kitchen and Bar.
With 5,000 tickets already sold out, Kevin Marksberry, owner of Shuckers Oyster Bar and Grill is preparing employees at his restaurant's new location on Glenwood Ave.
"They're eager, anxious, well-prepared. We do have staff in Wake Forest ready to come up," he said.
"It's huge. That street has been, so long looking for something to come that's a perfect fit for them, something that will bring the families, bring the adults, and just have a great mix of entertainment," said Jennifer Martin with Shop Local Raleigh.
It's not the only event this weekend that has businesses buzzing.
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon kicks off Sunday morning with the finish line just feet from the Raleigh Eyewitness News Center on Fayetteville St.
Now in its third year, it also promises sell-out crowds.
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More than 3,100 athletes are expected to spend more than $1.6 million.
"Anytime you have new traffic in an area, it's only going to help in the long run," said Marksberry.
Slide the City runs Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers who will receive one free ride.
Click here to sign up: https://shoplocalraleigh.org/slide-the-city-volunteer-application/
More information on Slide the City can be found at: http://www.slidethecity.com/events/raleigh/
