THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS

February 23, 2024

 

Sporting Events in Phoenix Impacts Sedona’s Economy

Because of Arizona’s warm weather, outdoor activities and natural beauty, over 40 million visitors came to our state in 2022, making tourism our number one industry.

According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, these visitors traveled from California (7.6 million), Texas (2.3 million), New York (1.9 million) and Florida (1.6 million), and at least 11 million of those visitors live right here in our state. International visitation has risen 20% since 2021, with Mexico drawing in nearly 3 million visitors. While here, $28 billion was generated — that’s $77 million a day injected into our state’s economy.

One of the biggest draws that has a direct impact on our state’s economy has been sports events.

Since 1996, Arizona has hosted four Super Bowls, two World Series, 27 Phoenix Open golf tournaments, numerous NASCAR events and coming up in April, the NCAA Final Four Championships. Additionally, Barrett-Jackson is headquartered in Arizona and hosts a week-long classic car auction and Scottsdale is host to the world’s largest Arabian horse show.

Last year, the Super Bowl generated $1.3 billion in total economic output for Arizona. This year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas has analysts predicting, “A Touchdown! Super Bowl brings a big economic victory to Las Vegas.”

While some analysts argue how much money goes into the economy from events like these, there is no denying that small businesses are impacted by these mega-events, ranging from printing services to restaurants and bars to hotel accommodations and retail establishments.

According to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, small businesses hit the jackpot. Businesses such as video production services, landscaping services, emergency security services, grocery stores, concierge services, catering companies and other service industries have benefited from this one event. The U.S. Chamber estimated that the Super Bowl generated an additional $215 million in spending for the Las Vegas economy from purchases of food, drinks, hotel rooms and memorabilia.

While attending huge sports events in our state, visitors often also take the opportunity to sightsee locations nearby. For example, those who visit Arizona plan week-long stays starting in Phoenix and driving north up the I-17 to visit “bucket list” locations which include Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Along with Sedona benefitting from these major events happening in the Phoenix area, our own events are also important economic drivers. Events such as the Sedona International Film Festival, the Sedona Arts Festival, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, Run Sedona and various other events held throughout the year draw visitors to our area. These annual signature events create a significant contribution to Sedona’s $1 billion tourism industry.

Recently, the Sedona Arts Center revealed the results of the Arts & Economic Prosperity Study (AEP6) of Nonprofit Arts and Culture in Sedona. Sedona’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $13,482,061 in economic activity in 2022. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce for local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

Event-related spending by arts and culture audiences totaled $7.6 million. Audiences demonstrate appreciation for the impact of arts and culture.

Julie Richard, CEO of the Sedona Arts Center stated, “I knew our visitor numbers would be good, but I was blown away that our cultural tourists spend a whopping $159.91 on average per visit compared to the national average of $60.57.  That is economic impact!”

Those who were surveyed for AEP6 noted that they (85%) would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.” 88% mentioned that “This activity or venue is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community,” and 82% felt that “My attendance is my way of ensuring that this activity or venue is preserved for future generations.”

Not only do events impact our economy here in Sedona, but they also provide opportunities for our community to gather socially, provide jobs and volunteer opportunities and bring a cultural aspect to Sedona that is memorable and enjoyable for our residents.

 

 

–Michelle Conway Kostecki, President/CEO

Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

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