SPOKANE -- More than one-billion dollars have gone into revitalizing Downtown Spokane, and people attending this week's State 2B Basketball Tournament have noticed.

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Most of the people attending games are from small towns, so for some it's a treat to be in a bigger city.

Many State 2B fans come to Spokane year after year for the tournament, and this year visitors had nothing but praise for the city.

Despite all the positive changes to Spokane's surface, some are still concerned having their car broken into.

SPIKE IN SALES

Downtown businesses rely heavily on what event is going on at the Spokane Veterans' Arena this week.

So far, the 2B tournament isn't letting any of them down. Fans sit down for a meal or go shopping in between games.

"I save up, base my vacation on this, and have a good time," said 2B fan Jeremy Wood. "I don't worry about money when I'm here."

Bob Hazen has been travelling to the tournament since 1971 and estimates he's spent a couple thousand dollars in Spokane over those years.

According to the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, the State 2B Tournament brings in $1.5 million each year.