North Carolina State University Athletics
ACC Men's Tourney Delivers Big Bucks
6/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 14, 2001
By Tony Haynes
The ACC Men's Basketball Tournament is a Big deal. But just in case someone had any questions about the event's impact, consider that the state of Georgia reaped $31 million from this year's tournament, which was held at the massive Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The hefty numbers were reported by the Atlanta Sports Council.
"The ACC thoroughly enjoyed its experience in taking the men's tournament to Atlanta this past March," ACC Commissioner John Swofford stated on theacctoday.com website. "This year's tournament exceeded all expectations as we were able to set national attendance records for both single session (40,083) and overall event (182,525) totals. We look forward to returning to Atlanta in 2009."
Gary Stokan, a former NC State basketball player who now heads up the Atlanta Sports Council, says the city is eager for a return engagement later this decade.
"The ACC Tournament could not have been a bigger success for Atlanta," Stokan said. "Our unparalleled facilities, hotels and transportation allow us to host major events with the number of fans that create the incredible impact on our state and local economies. We're very much looking forward to hosting the ACC again in 2009."
2001 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament Economic Impact Quick Facts
*$31.138 million total statewide economic impact
*$28.574 million total Atlanta economic impact
*71% of spectators were from outside Atlanta
*57% of attendees stayed in a hotel/motel
*Average length of stay per person: 2.8 nights
*Average cost of hotel/motel accommodations was $130 per night
*Average food spent per person was $47 (not including event food)
*Average food spend per person at event was $24
