Photo Credit: Michael Duerinckx
WestWorld of Scottsdale is not something that is often thought about unless you happen to be heading to an event there. Spreading over a comparatively massive 386 acres, it still manages to frequently fly under most residents’ radar by way of its location, tucked away from main thoroughfares and lacking in gaudy, ostentatious flash of visual “wow factors”. Still it has managed to relatively quietly become a genuine economic powerhouse for not just the city but for the entire region.
For those who are only vaguely aware of it, WestWorld hosts some of the biggest events in the entire state, including the Barrett-Jackson car auction, the Scottsdale Rodeo, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Arizona Bike Week, Tour de Scottsdale, and the Scottsdale Polo Championships, amongst many others. While long thought of as local events, they are an inextricable part of Scottsdale’s strategy to be a haven for tourists from around the country and world.
The city of Scottsdale was just as curious as us to see just how significant that impact has been, and it commissioned a study with Arizona State University’s Seidman Research Institute. It analyzed nine major events from October 2023 to June 2024 and solicited feedback and data via questionnaires administered to event organizers and visitors. And the results were staggering.
How staggering? Staggering to the tune of $163.6 million in direct contribution to the state’s GDP. On top of that is $85.6 million in labor income, income which will then be mostly recycled within the local economy as what are often blue collar workers then spend that income. Additionally, it provides 1,813 jobs supported statewide and generates $4.8 million in Transaction Privilege and Transient Tax collections.
That said, this is only an estimate of the larger events. The data generated from nine events for which it surveyed was extrapolated to 22 largest events, but WestWorld held a total of 88 events. While obviously the smaller events not included would have a relatively small impact compared to the massive international events, that is not to say that they don’t move the needle either.
Also, while the headline number is big enough, a telling question would be how much of that stays within Scottsdale. After all, many will stay in our hotels, go to our restaurants and bars, do some shopping in the city, and contribute directly to the city’s economy.
While the entire state should be thankful of such a great venue that has the capacity to hold so many world-class events, it is the city of Scottsdale that gains the greatest benefit, and for that we should be even more thankful.