On game day, Super Bowl host cities stand to gain almost as much as the teams competing on the field, if not more. The game can mean hundreds of millions of dollars in the days leading up to, during and immediately after the game, but it can also have an economic impact that lasts for years.
Eric Kerr, vice president of insights and development, Visit Phoenix, explains one can easily count the number of hotel rooms filled in a Super Bowl year or how many people fly into the city for the game. In 2015, the last time Phoenix hosted the game, more than 120,000 visitors came to the city for the big day, injecting more than $719 million into the local economy.
Harder to determine is the long-term tourism impact, however. Kerr said the greater metropolitan area received “incredible interest from Seattle” following the 2015 game, but no one can know how many people vacationed in Arizona after seeing images and videos during the Super Bowl
Phoenix estimates 6,000 members of the media will cover the game and tell stories about the city, its people and its attrac- tions. Major NFL events such as the Super Bowl Experience and celebrities attending events in the Valley will get coverage, too. If that weren’t enough, roughly 200 million people from around the world will then watch the game, and every commercial break will feature scenes from Phoenix and around the state.
“You can’t put a price on that,” said Santiago Corrada, president and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay, which hosted the Super Bowl five times, most recently in 2021.
Corrada points out the game impacts more than tourism. It shows the city does a good job hosting large events, such as conventions, and has the infrastructure for companies looking to relocate to the area. A Super Bowl can also convince a new airline to offer service to a city or inspire talented workers to move there.
“There’s a reason big cities compete for a Super Bowl,” he said. “It’s a great marketing tool.”
Read This Next
Review: Air France
January/February 2023
Feb 27, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 4, 2024Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo
Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Nov 4, 20247 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel
Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.
Slideshow
Nov 4, 20247 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
Daily
Nov 4, 20248 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025
Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:
Embark on Chile’s Lakes & Volcanoes Route
Daily
Nov 1, 2024Extraordinary Egypt
Sponsored Content
Make The Londoner Hotel Your West End Base
Daily
Oct 31, 2024Daily
Oct 31, 2024Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations
The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Oct 31, 2024Denver International Airport Completes Concourse Expansion
The expansion and renovation of Concourse A-East Ground Load at Denver International Airport was recently completed as the final phase of a $2.5 billion program to accommodate passenger growth as DEN is currently the third-busiest U.S. airport. The renovation was led by WSP.
ShareThis