Pierce County and neighboring counties realized a $134 million boost in total economic impact from the U.S. Open Championship, conducted by the United States Golf Association at Chambers Bay Golf Course June 15-21, 2015, a recent study reveals.
Commissioned by the USGA and conducted by Pacific Northwest-based economists, the independent report reviewed off-site spending in a myriad of categories, including lodging, food and beverage, shopping, transportation and recreational activities. Data was collected from a variety of sources, including on-site electronic kiosks that surveyed nearly 8,000 spectators on spending habits during the championship week.
“No other one week event in the history of the Pacific Northwest has had a greater economic impact,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “It was the result of a lot of people working together, including the USGA, Pierce County and our many partners in the community.”
Final figures also included direct spending from the USGA and USGA-contracted vendors before, during and after the U.S. Open, totaling $13.9 million statewide.
“The 2015 U.S. Open Championship was a collaborative effort between the USGA, state, county and local officials, especially in the areas of tourism, transportation and law enforcement,” said Mike Butz, USGA senior managing director for U.S. Open Championships and Association Relations. “This review validates the success of the championship’s inaugural appearance in the Pacific Northwest and the importance of the relationship built between the USGA and Pierce County.”
The 2015 U.S. Open was the second USGA championship hosted by Chambers Bay, following the 2010 U.S. Amateur. More than 260,000 spectators attended the seven-day international golf event.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ronald Klein, Pierce County Communications director
(253) 798-6606
[email protected]
Janeen Driscoll, USGA Communications
(908) 326-1978
[email protected]