Erie's Total Solar Eclipse - Resources for Businesses

Erie is in the path of totality for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! As we prepare to welcome potentially unprecedented crowds to Erie County for this once-in-a-lifetime event, please utilize the resources below for your planning. 

If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to Janice Friedrichsmeyer at (814) 454-1000. 

Submit Eclipse Events     Submit Eclipse Specials and Packages

Eclipse Stats and Resources for Businesses

Communities across the country learned so much from the last Total Solar Eclipse to sweep the United States in 2017. The information below was pulled from a variety of case studies from 2017 Eclipse destinations, as well as best practices from eclipse experts. You can utilize a full library of resources at eclipse2024resources.com. 

2017 Total Solar Eclipse Impact Data

Data from "Being in the Shadow" White Paper by Dr. Kate Russo

• Path of totality crossed more than 1,000 communities in 14 states
• An estimated 88% of the US adult population (216 million) viewed the eclipse either directly or indirectly
• It was the largest recorded audience for any scientific, athletic, or entertainment event
• In Wyoming, an estimated 261,000 visitors spent $63.5 million in eclipse-related travel

Data from "A Case Study in Preparing Small Town, USA for a Super Bowl-Like Event" by Brook Kaufman, Visit Casper

• Visitors staying in hotels/motels spent an average of 3.7 days and $412 per party per day. The average party size was 2.9 people
• The Wyoming Eclipse Festival generated more than 225 million media impressions

Read both resources and other 2017 impact data here.  

Planning considerations for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

• Regions along the northeastern part of the path, including Erie, will draw large numbers based on proximity to major population hubs, even given less favorable weather predictions 
• This eclipse is likely to break all preceding live and online audience viewing records
• Consider full staffing and perhaps bringing in extra help
• Lodging establishments should consider opening reservations earlier than usual, and setting a three-night minimum, including the night of Monday, April 8, to help prevent post-eclipse traffic jams
• Plan for potential supply chain issues with tents and port-a-potties
• Schedule deliveries and shipments before April 6 or after April 8 to avoid eclipse-related delays
• Provide trash receptacles to eliminate potential littering around your business
• Consider entertainment to attract patrons during the weekend leading up to the eclipse and to encourage them to stay for at least several house after the eclipse

Read the full list of recommendations from the American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force here. 

Planning Eclipse Related Events

If you're planning an event as part of Erie's Total Solar Eclipse, keep the following in mind: 

• Make a plan for Solar Viewing Glasses (email Emily Biddle to secure a quantity from VisitErie, or for a contact to order your own)
• Ensure you have ample bathrooms, parking, food and water planned ahead of time
• Create a backup plan for inclement weather
• Reset automatic lights for things like buildings, parking lots and street lights if possible. Totality will be best experienced in the dark.
• Be mindful of timing: the moon begins to cover the sun at 2:02 p.m. in Erie County, with totality starting at 3:16 p.m. When totality ends at 3:20 p.m., the public will largely begin to leave. Develop an event that can assist with spacing the public out, and minimizing traffic. 
• Read a full list of tips for planning your eclipse party from NASA here. 
• Let VisitErie know what you're planning so we can shout about it! 

Creating Eclipse-Related Packages and Specials

It's not a matter of if people will travel to Erie for the Eclipse - it's a matter of how many. Consider preparing a special product or package that visitors can purchase to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Examples include: 

• Minimums or special packages at hotels and other accommodations
• Off season opening of traditionally summer attractions
• A specialty food or beverage
• VIP access to a unique experience

If you're planning something special to commemorate Erie's Total Solar Eclipse, submit the details using the form below. We'll reach out with any questions, and will compile the information to share with visitors.