ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Thursday marked the official beginning of the festivities surrounding the NBA All-Star game, and businesses around Orlando are getting ready for the surge of people set to pile into town.
A controversial 8-foot fence was put up around the Amway Center in downtown Orlando on Thursday as part of a security measure for the All-Star weekend.
The fence runs between the Amway Center and the businesses right across the street. Those business owners have been fighting the fence for weeks, but two days ago a judge ruled that the fence could go up.
The city said it's the recommendation of the NBA's security team, and is necessary for both crowd control and to keep game attendees safe.
But city officials are not the only ones preparing for the crowds.
An ordinary airplane hangar at Orlando Executive Airport was transformed into a nightclub for three of the hottest parties during the NBA All-Star weekend, which will be hosted by Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard, rapper Lil' Wayne and R&B singer Drake.
"Celebrities are definitely taking over the city," said event planner and promoter, Jonathan Hamilton.
Event planners, Pat Nix and Jonathan Hamiliton, secured A-list celebrities to host the 27 parties they're paying to put on.
But Nix said it has not been easy to gather the celebrities and fulfill their requests, such as a private jet for Drake.
"To get him from New Orleans to Orlando on Sunday and then back to Austin, Texas," said Nix.
The airplane hangar was decorated with leather sofas, chairs and a big screen TV.
"I don't think people understand the magnitude of All-Star weekend and what it's going to bring to the city," said Hamilton.
NBA stars, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade, singers, Mary J. Blige, R-Kelly, Chris brown, Amber Rose, Nikki Minaj and P-Diddy are also hosting parties at venues in and outside of downtown Orlando.
They're being promoted on Eventgrabber.com, which shows the cheapest ticket is $75, but people could pay up to $600.
The clubs downtown are welcoming the more than 50,000 people expected to flood Orlando.
"I think we are ready. I think we are very capable of holding the clientele and what they expect in other big cities, I think we are ready to show them and prove that we will do a great job as hosts," said Keith Mawardi, of the Teir nightclub.
Police officers are also getting ready to control the crowds and cars.
They're handing out parking passes to downtown residents and business owners to make sure they can get around the more than half-dozen streets that will be blocked off starting Friday.