Despite facilities that were "less-than-major league" and some days of competition that offered "less-than- compelling events," more than 23,000 fans turned out on each of the eight days of the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials at CA State Univ.-Sacramento, according to Marcos Breton of the SACRAMENTO BEE. USAT&F CEO Craig Masback: "If there were any doubts about Sacramento [hosting the event], they were answered this week." Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Steve Hammond estimated that the Trials brought $13-15M into the local economy when "everything from hotel receipts to ticket prices are tallied." Sacramento Sports Commission officials are "still adding up the numbers," but they estimate that business at Hornet Stadium drew nearly $500,000 in food and beverage sales and $1M in merchandise sales (SACRAMENTO BEE, 7/25). USA TODAY's Dick Patrick wrote that Sacramento "distinguished itself as host for the meet." The trials drew a record total crowd of 187,104, surpassing Atlanta's total of 151,222 in '96. The meet "also blazed new territory with sponsor suites and interactive fan exhibits." Patrick: "Not only is Sacramento a strong candidate to host the trials again in 2004, it's also the probable site for the 2002 World Cup" (USA TODAY, 7/25).
