West Memphis, AR expecting eclipse travelers
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — Hundreds of thousands of tourists are expected to travel to the Mid-South to catch the total eclipse next Monday, and one state expecting to cash in big is Arkansas.
The zone of totality may be closer to Little Rock but the sun’s shadow is falling over hotels as far away as Crittenden County.
A week before the April 8 solar eclipse — and even on an overcast day — hotels and restaurants in West Memphis are preparing for thousands of tourists who’ll be looking to the skies.
Many Arkansas cities and towns either near or in the path of this rare celestial event are getting ready to welcome visitors and brace for packed roadways.
“Probably will have a bigger crowd, more people,” said Terrance Epting, an employee with La Quinta Inn in West Memphis.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the department of transportation is preparing roads for extra traffic.
“If and when congestion occurs, the state police and national guard will be on call to respond to any emergencies,” she said.
The state expects as many as 1.5 million tourists.
“In the path of totality will be amazing the number of people that will be staying and just viewing the eclipse. It’s literally going to be a sight,” said Jim Jackson, executive director West Memphis Tourism.
So, what will it cost you for a hotel stay in West Memphis next Monday compared to this week?
We found La Quinta Inn will run you about $179 — normally it’s around $116. Southland Casino Hotel is asking for $145 dollars (normal price, $129). The Fairfield Inn and Suites in Marion usually costs about $254 dollars. Next week you’ll pay almost double at $449.
Preparations underway for solar eclipse in the Mid-South
Jackson says the eclipse is like a major sporting event.
“I think this is the Super Bowl,” he said. “There are going to be a lot of people and hopefully it will be treated that way, where you don’t want to be the first to leave, take your time and let the traffic slow down.”
Even though West Memphis is not in the direct path of totality, city leaders say there are still many great places to catch this rare show in the skies.
“The Big River Crossing, the Ducks Unlimited Park would be perfect,” Jackson said. “We’ve got several parks here in town, the Tilden Rodgers Park will be a perfect space. Something with wide open space. There are several good locations.”
Tilden Rodger Park is located at 825 North Airport Road in West Memphis, Arkansas. They will begin at 12 noon until 3 p.m. They will have food trucks, entertainment, and education activities to enjoy during the viewing of the solar eclipse.
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