From the HERE City National Desk
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Phoenix’s first turn hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four pumped $71.5 million into the Arizona economy, researchers at Arizona State’s Seidman Research Institute concluded. The results were released Wednesday.
Researchers surveyed out-of-state fans in person at the April 3 and April 5 games and counted only new money that came into Arizona because of the event. They estimated 27,330 visitors traveled in, staying a little more than four nights each and spending about $220 a day per person.
The study credited the event with adding $42.2 million to state GDP, supporting 426 job-years of work, producing $24 million in labor income and generating about $4 million in state taxes.
The three games drew 29,811 fans to Mortgage Matchup Center, where the Suns and Mercury play, including 15,856 for the final. UCLA left with its first national championship, in a field that also had South Carolina, Texas and UConn.
Glendale’s State Farm Stadium had the men’s Final Four two years ago, in 2024, and Phoenix is a finalist to bring the women’s event back sometime between 2032 and 2036.
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