Opinion: Night on the Town offers parking, cabs, group discounts

And while the variety and quality of the food are exceptional, patrons continued to ask three questions: Where can I park? If I’d prefer not to drive, how can I arrange for a cab? What kind of special discounts are available for groups?

Downtown entrepreneurs stepped up to answer those questions through a new program, called Night on the Town, with 16 restaurants, five retailers and five entertainment venues collaborating to offer special packages.

Parking package

For those planning on driving downtown for a night out, the $50 Park and Ride package includes a parking voucher for use at the Great Southern Bank parking lot at South Avenue and Elm Street, $50 to be spent at participating downtown businesses and a Mudhouse buy one/get one free beverage coupon. This package provides an estimated 16 percent savings.

Alice Pulliam, owner of participating retailer Fitzwilly’s Gifts & Antiques on South Avenue, said this package meets a need.

“There’s ample parking here in downtown, but some customers are unsure of where to park,” she said. “This program directs them to a specific area that’s convenient to the center of activity.”

Cab ride package

Patrons who choose to leave the car at home can select the $100 Door-to-Door Dining package and receive a cab ride for up to four people from anywhere inside Springfield city limits to downtown before midnight, a voucher for a cab ride home at the end of the night and $100 to be spent at participating downtown businesses. This package provides an estimated 18 percent savings.

Meghan Chambers, owner of the younger-targeted Staxx Apparel at South and Walnut Street, agreed to particpate in the program because it responds to customers’ needs.

“This program … has been structured with everyone in mind, making a night out downtown more convenient and carefree than ever before,” Chambers said. “I hope this shows the community that downtown is listening to what is being said. We are doing everything we can to eliminate the burden some feel downtown possesses, while offering services that cater to their concerns.”

Group savings

The combination of restaurants, art galleries, theaters and shopping makes downtown an ideal spot for socializing, whether it’s for corporate recruitment, staff parties, family gatherings or a girls’ night out.

Howard Fisk at J. Howard Fisk Limousines suggests the $200 Dining Deal for out-of-town guests. Fisk jumped on board with the program because he frequently receives inquiries about which restaurants offer group discounts and VIP treatment. The Dining Deal includes assistance in securing a reservation, a 15 percent discount on Fisk transportation services and $230 in downtown dollars.

This package provides an estimated 15 percent savings.

More information about Night on the Town packages can be found at www.itsalldowntown.com or by calling Urban Districts Alliance at (417) 831-6200.

Rusty Worley, executive director of Urban Districts Alliance, can be reached at rusty@itsalldowntown.com.