PHOENIX, Ariz.—The city of Phoenix recently announced the formation of its new Phoenix Sports and Events Commission. The city says this initiative, which was initially spearheaded by Visit Phoenix and the City of Phoenix, will enrich the community socially and economically.
The Phoenix Sports and Events Commission aims to celebrate the city’s special culture, community, and spirit. The newly established commission will work with several organizations to reach youth and expand the range of tournaments offered to include arts, culture, and music events.
Operating as a separate division of Visit Phoenix, the commission will recruit its own executive director and advisory board.
The initiative to establish a sports and events commission began in early 2022 at the direction of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. After extensive research and subsequent evaluation, the Phoenix city council approved the formation of the commission.
“Phoenix is the largest city in the country without an event-focused commission,” says Mayor Gallego. “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.”
With more than 750,000 jobs supported by sports related travel and 63 percent of markets reporting sports as the leading generator of hotel room nights stays; the commission is in position to play a decisive role in creating new job opportunities and in supporting local businesses.
“For decades, Phoenix has stood as the beacon of sports and culture, drawing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe,” says 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.”
