The economic impact of this year’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells was an estimated $406,602,107, according to a study.
George Washington University came to the finding after conducting research into visitor survey results and data provided by the organizer of the tournament and its sponsors. The calculation is a $32 million increase on the figure in 2014, which was the last time a study into the economic impact of the tournament was conducted. It is also estimated that the total gross impact was $373 million, an increase of $187 million since 2006.
“The positive impact of the BNP Paribas Open on the city of Indian Wells and the entire region continues to grow each year, bringing not only economic but also cultural and social benefits to our residents, visitors and guests. We look forward to working together with the tournament for years to come to continue showcasing all that Indian Wells has to offer and providing a top-notch experience for all tournament patrons.” Said Indian Wells Major Richard Balocco.
The £373 million figure combined both direct and indirect spending during the time of the event in the region. Direct spending includes factors such as out-of-town spending by visitors. Whereas indirect concerns the re-spending of money in the region by businesses.
Renovations to this year’s tournament contributed to almost an additional $50 million in gross economic impact. 439,261 fans attended the 2017 combined tournament during the two-week period. On average, each spectator spent a total of 3.090 days at the event. More than one in four of those visitors was from outside of the region (123,675).
Hosted annually since 1974, the BNP Paribas Open has grown to become one of the biggest events in tennis. In 1989 the event became a mixed tournament with the women’s draw coinciding with the men’s. The premier court has a capacity of 16,100 to make it the second biggest tennis court in the world.
Indian Wells is categorised as a Masters 1000 tournament on the ATP Tour and a Premier Mandatory for the WTA. This year the titles were won by Roger Federer and Elena Vesnina.
