The '99 X Games will be held in S.F. from June 25-July
3, as ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will combine to televise nearly 40
hours of event coverage and ESPN Int'l will distribute the
Games worldwide (ESPN). In S.F., Lynda Gledhill wrote that
the city beat out St. Petersburg, Seattle and Rhode Island
for the right to host the games for the next two years. The
city figures that it will receive $20-30M in "direct and
indirect revenue" as the Games' host. S.F. Chief Economic
Policy Advisor Kofi Bonner said that the estimated $750,000
cost to the city "will be covered by sponsorships and
parking revenue" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/10). A study released
by the Univ. of San Diego School of Business revealed the
economic impact of the '98 X Games in San Diego "was nearly"
$32M, The study found $14.5M in "direct spending," including
$3.6M by local spectators; $965,000 by athletes and their
families and friends; $7.65M by ESPN and other sponsors; and
$2.25M by officials, media, and volunteers from out of town.
The study was based on surveys of 478 spectators, prior
studies and information provided by ESPN and the S.D.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater S.D. Chamber of
Commerce and CIC Research Inc (S.D. UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/10).
