#United States #Denver #ONE Championship #Ball Arena

ONE 168 Event in Denver Creates Economic Impact

In August 2023, ONE Championship, the world's premier martial arts organization, successfully hosted ONE 168 at the renowned Ball Arena in Denver. This event proved to be not only a thrilling spectacle for martial arts enthusiasts but also a substantial economic catalyst for the greater Denver region, generating an impressive $18 million in total economic impact as revealed by a study from the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

The event drew a near-capacity crowd of approximately 10,000 attendees, with more than half of them journeying from outside Colorado. The influx of these out-of-state visitors contributed over $15 million to the local economy, representing a staggering 83% of the event's total economic impact. The economic activities associated with ONE 168 encompassed a broad spectrum of expenditures, including transportation, accommodations, dining, and leisure activities, summing up to over $9 million in direct spending.

Attendee Demographics

Analyzing the attendee demographics reveals that out-of-state guests not only boosted the local economy significantly but also traveled in groups. On average, each attendee arrived with two additional companions and stayed in Denver for about three nights. This group behavior resulted in nearly 6,590 room nights booked, translating into $1.4 million directly benefiting local hotels and short-term rental services.

The labor market also reaped the rewards, with a total labor income of $6.3 million generated as a direct outcome of the event, supporting 146 jobs in the area. These figures highlight the pivotal role that large-scale sporting events like ONE 168 play in enhancing economic sustainability and job creation in local communities.

Economic Insights

Hanna Scovill, an economist and senior manager at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, remarked on the event’s success, emphasizing how such high-profile attractions can significantly contribute to the state’s economy. She stated, "This event successfully attracted a substantial number of out-of-state visitors, significantly boosting Colorado's economy and supporting local jobs through $15 million new dollars to the state. This underscores the importance of supporting the region's thriving arts, culture, and entertainment industry."

Chatri Sityodtong, the Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, expressed pride in the event's success, stating, "We are incredibly proud to have generated $18 million in economic impact for the greater Denver region during ONE 168. ONE Championship has some of the most passionate fans in the world, and we would like to thank them for traveling in, along with all our fans in Colorado for attending and making the event such a memorable night."

Future Endeavors

The positive reception and economic boost from ONE 168 pave the way for future events as ONE Championship prepares for further U.S. expansions. The organization has plans to return later in the year, with specific details on upcoming events set to be announced. The success of ONE 168 in Denver illustrates the importance of the arts, culture, and entertainment sectors in driving local economic growth, offering a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at attracting visitors and bolstering the economy.

Conclusion

As cities seek to revitalize their economies through events, ONE Championship's activities represent a powerful intersection of sports and local economic development. The impressive financial impact of ONE 168 illustrates the potential of martial arts events to enhance community prosperity while engaging diverse audiences and promoting tourism in the region.