INTRUST Bank Arena Reports Economic Impact Study Results Through First 10 Years
INTRUST Bank Arena partnered with The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University to conduct a study to determine the economic impact its first 10 years of events has had on our community. Owned by Sedgwick County and managed by ASM Global, INTRUST Bank Arena opened on January 10, 2010 and throughout its first 10 years of operation has hosted 890 events and 3,828,767 guests.
During its first 10 years, attendees of INTRUST Bank Arena events generated an estimated $168 million in new economic activity in the area. These numbers represent an average annual impact of $16.8 million in new economic activity in the area. Visitor economic impact included estimated retail spending of $37,403,016, hotel spending of $33,393,170, and event revenues of $29,500,671 for a total direct visitor impact of $100,296,857 and total indirect visitor impact or new economic activity of $168,716,318.
Local visitors to INTRUST Bank Arena spent an additional $191 million, which resulted in an estimated $323 million in economic activity that was retained in the area as a result of events hosted at INTRUST Bank Arena. The fiscal impact of visitors to the area for INTRUST Bank Arena events that occurred in 2010-2019 was approximately $12 million in tax revenue generated.
“INTRUST Bank Arena has made a significant impact not only in Wichita but in our region,” said County Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner. “The Arena is a great community destination and Arena officials are great community partners. Looking back over the 10 years of INTRUST Bank Arena enjoyment, I am reminded and thankful to the citizens of Sedgwick County for their vote of approval of a 30 month sales tax to build this venue. I look forward to many more years of partnerships and success.”
“We’re proud of the diverse lineup of events we’ve been able to attract to INTRUST Bank Arena over the first 10 years and are very thankful to the citizens of Sedgwick County and Wichita for choosing to support our events,” commented INTRUST Bank Arena General Manager AJ Boleski. “Our city is a wonderful place to visit and being one of the many amenities that adds to Wichita being a well-rounded city is a rewarding feeling. The vision and support from Sedgwick County has allowed INTRUST Bank Arena to continue to compete on a national level for world-class entertainment and sporting events and the passion and commitment of our staff has allowed us to excel. We truly look forward to what the next 10 years will bring.”
Since opening, INTRUST Bank Arena has hosted such high profile events as George Strait, Guns N’ Roses, Cardi B, UFC, Metallica, Imagine Dragons, Kevin Hart, the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds, Pink, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Twenty One Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Garth Brooks, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Taylor Swift, 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds, Dave Matthews Band, Bon Jovi and Elton John and Billy Joel.
Looking ahead, INTRUST Bank Arena will continue to celebrate its ten-year anniversary throughout 2020, including a 10th Anniversary Concert Series which most recently welcomed George Strait on Jan. 24 for Visit Wichita Presents George Strait: Strait To Oz, a rare live performance by the King of Country. The sold out event attracted more than 14,000 guests to INTRUST Bank Arena. To date, the series will also feature Jason Aldean (Feb. 15), KISS (Feb. 19), Blake Shelton (March 11) and Cher (April 22), with more announcements to come throughout the year.
In 2021, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds will return to Wichita and INTRUST Bank Arena. Additionally, the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship Regional Rounds will take place for the first time ever in Wichita.