Estimating the Contribution of a Multi-Purpose Event Facility to the Area Economy

Abstract

While the economic impacts of professional sports events and entertainment facilities in major metropolitan areas have been the subject of numerous studies, sports and entertainment facilities in smaller cities have received less attention. This study addresses the economic impact of a multi-purpose sports and auditorium facility located in a small metropolitan area. Intercept surveys at eleven representative events provided information on attendees' expenditures and residence and on the role of the event in motivating visits to the area. Data on attendee expenditures, together with facility operation and vendor outlays, were applied to an input–output model to estimate secondary impacts. The results indicate that the events hosted at the facility varied substantially in their potential to draw attendees from outside the local area and that attendees' expenditure patterns also varied by event type. The overall economic impact of the facility was substantial.