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Wrexham's Hollywood takeover fuels economic boom

Wrexham's rise under Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has fueled an economic boom in North Wales, doubling tourism income to £200 million a year as global fans flock to the city of under 150,000 people.
Just over five years ago, the Red Dragons languished in the fifth tier of English football, but the ownership change has inspired local residents, creating jobs and reestablishing civic pride in a community formerly known for anti-social behavior.
International visitors now account for 80 percent of accommodation bookings during home games, with fans from Virginia to Vancouver filling The Turf pub near the Racecourse Ground to experience the phenomenon.
Reynolds and McElhenney have sparked a trend for Stateside stars to invest in lower-league English football; rapper Snoop Dogg is a minority owner of Swansea, while NFL legend Tom Brady's Birmingham recently competed against Wrexham.
Expansion work on the Racecourse is set for completion next year, increasing capacity to 18,000 to host international games while the team pursues Premier League riches after three consecutive promotions.

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Wrexham's Hollywood takeover fuels economic boom

Wrexham's fairytale rise since a takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has not been limited to on-pitch success as a wave of new fans from around the globe has fuelled an economic boom in north Wales.

3 days ago·Missoula, United States

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