Business & Tech

Tennis Tourney Pumps Millions Into Valley Economy

A recent study shows the tournament's impact has soared since 2006.

The economic impact of the 2011 BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament on the Coachella Valley topped nearly $289 million, according to a recent study.

Steve Simon, tournament director, sited the recent study in a statement released today that showed the tournament's impact increased more than $69 million since 2006, when the last BNP Paribas Open economic impact study was conducted. That year, the tournament drew $219 million.

"To surpass $289 million in economic impact clearly displays the consistently expanding importance that the BNP Paribas Open brings to the city of Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley," Simon said. "We are thrilled that the statistical evidence within this study confirms the economic significance of this international sporting event to the area."

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The study looked at local spending by out-of-town visitors, vendors, sponsors and the tournament organization to a business in the region, according to Simon. Other impacts were calculated by examining the re-spending of that money by businesses in the Coachella Valley, he said.

Simon said the event drew 350,000 fans from around the globe for multiple days last year.

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"We are helping to provide direct business to the local hotel properties, restaurants and other businesses," he said.

About 84 percent of attendees at last year's tournament were from outside the Coachella Valley.

The study was conducted by George Washington University, and generated its results through carefully selected methodology, visitor survey results and data provided by organizers and sponsors, he said.

The tournament -- known as the fifth major -- is the largest combined ATP World Tour and WTA two-week event in the world. The tournament routinely draws the top men's and women's players, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic and Kim Clijsters.

Tickets for the 2012 BNP Paribas Open are available starting Nov. 2 by calling the Indian Wells box office at 800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or by visiting the box office at 78200 Miles Ave. in Indian Wells.


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