Phoenix City Council OKs Bloomberg plan to boost event marketing mechanisms
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
As Phoenix City Council continues to position the municipality as a premier destination for sports and events, City Hall officials are announcing the formation of the Phoenix Sports & Events Commission.
The Phoenix Sports & Events Commission, which is anchored by Visit Phoenix and the city of Phoenix, aims to celebrate the city’s unique culture and communities, officials at City Hall say.
The new commission will work with a wide range of community organizations and stakeholders to extend its reach to youth, amateur and collegiate tournaments , in addition to arts, culture and music events.
Operating as a division of Visit Phoenix, the commission is set to recruit an executive director and appoint an advisory board.
In calendar year 2022, Bloomberg Associates, which is a philanthropic consultancy group part of Bloomberg Philanthropies, began conducting extensive in pro-bono research to identify opportunities and strategies to expand and diversify Phoenix’s portfolio of events.
Phoenix City Council emboldened plans put forth by Bloomberg Associates in late June, records show.
“Phoenix is the largest city in the country without an events-focused commission,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, said in a prepared statement. “While we are no stranger to hosting world-class events, the commission will proactively attract a diverse roster of new sports, arts, and cultural events that will deliver meaningful economic and social outcomes to our residents and businesses. I appreciate the research and evaluation conducted by Bloomberg Associates and am excited to see their recommendation come to fruition.”
Deputy City Manager John Chan echoed a similar sentiment.
“Phoenix has established itself as a premier destination for hosting events and the new Sports & Events Commission will build upon that position by pursuing new business opportunities that showcase our impressive package of convention facilities, athletic fields, hotels, and performing arts venues,” he said. We look forward to working alongside Visit Phoenix and the Commission to expand on all things music, arts and culture, along with youth, amateur and collegiate events in Phoenix that support our tourism industry.”
With more than 750,000 jobs supported by sports-related travel and 63% of markets reporting sports as the leading generator of hotel room nights, the commission’s work will be instrumental in creating new job opportunities and supporting local businesses, City Hall officials say.
“For decades, Phoenix has stood as the beacon of sports and culture, drawing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe,” said Ron Price, president and CEO of Visit Phoenix.
“With the establishment of the new Sports & Events Commission, we’re set to amplify our city’s allure, solidifying Phoenix’s reputation as the unrivaled destination for all things sports and events. This commission will build on our rich history of hosting world-class events, transforming Phoenix into a one-of-one hub where the intersection of sports and culture is front and center.”
