PHX Reporter

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and state leaders announced on October 4 that Super Bowl LVII was the “most successful Super Bowl” in history.

Super Bowl LVII generated $1.3 billion in total economic activity for the state of Arizona, with $726.1 million in total contribution to Arizona‘s gross domestic product, according to an independent study conducted by the L. William Seidman Research Institute at W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.  

This marks the largest economic impact of any special event ever held in Arizona, as well as the highest for any Super Bowl for which publicly released figures are available, according to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.  

“Arizona had the biggest win from Super Bowl LVII and the incredible lasting impact on the State is unparalleled,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “The world was watching Arizona, and in true fashion, we delivered in a big way. I look forward to our state hosting many more successful championship games and major events in the future, creating jobs and bringing in money from throughout the world to continue fueling our growing economy.”

Researchers analyzed data collected from interviews with visitors between February 9-12, 2023 and found 102,598 out-of-state visitors came to the Valley for Super Bowl LVII, spending over $221 million while they were here. Of the visitors, just about 60% had tickets to the game at State Farm Stadium on February 12.  

Additionally, the study found that 10,459 annual jobs were created, yielding a $494.1 million contribution to labor income in Arizona.

“The magnitude of the economic impact of hosting the Super Bowl is what makes it a coveted event for cities around the United States,” said Anthony Evans, senior research fellow for the L. William Seidman Institute at W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University. “Arizona continually shows itself to be a worthy host for the nation’s signature sports events and the increase in tourism dollars from Super Bowl is unlike any other event.”

The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues hosted Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s over two weekends leading up to Super Bowl LVII in addition to hosting the prestigious NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. The Phoenix Convention Center also hosted the 6,000 members of local, national and international media that were on site for Super Bowl LVII. Phoenix’s Margaret T. Hance Park played a critical role in the festivities as well, hosting a series of concerts and the first-ever watch party on the day of the big game, in which roughly 25,000 people attended.  

Downtown Phoenix saw 300,000 fans pass through for events during the Super Bowl weekend and the weekend prior.  

On the Monday following Super Bowl LVII, Sky Harbor International Airport experienced its busiest day ever with over 200,000 passengers traveling through the airport. Additionally, TSA security checkpoints had wait times of less than 22 minutes.

Super Bowl LVII generated roughly 40% more in economic impact than the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX and the accompanying Pro Bowl, according to the analysis.  

Phoenix continues to see success with mega events and preparations are already underway for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four taking place this spring.   

Original source can be found here.