Smaller-than-expected crowd, rainy day don't dampen spirits

YOUNGSTOWN -- About 20,000 to 25,000 people toured the city's convocation center during a Saturday open house, according to crowd estimates by the facility's officials.
Arena officials had expected a crowd of about 35,000 for the free tours, but the rain and chilly weather were probably responsible for fewer visitors, Matt Hufnagel, the center's director of sales and marketing, said Sunday.
"It was a success in our opinion," he said. "The weather was probably a factor. People tend to not want to go out with the rain. But we are very pleased with the turnout and the opinions of those who attended. We received many comments about how impressed people are with the center."
The facility's first paid events are this weekend: a Saturday concert by 3 Doors Down and a Sunday concert by Tony Bennett.