Greenville Celebrates Bon Secours Wellness Arena’s Huge Economic Win!
Hey there, Greenville! We’ve got some exciting news about a place that has been at the heart of our community for 25 remarkable years—the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. That’s right, this venue is more than just a spot for concerts and sports; it’s a powerhouse of economic growth for our beautiful city!
What’s the Big Deal?
According to fresh data shared by the Greenville Arena District, since opening its doors back in 1998, the arena has generated a staggering $2 billion impact on our local economy! Can you believe that? This figure comes as part of a detailed economic impact study conducted by the experts at Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL).
Let’s break it down: The arena’s annual economic footprint has taken a leap, more than doubling from $21.5 million in 2016 to an impressive $55.8 million this year. Wowza! That’s a gigantic boost for everyone in Greenville!
Dollars and Sense
Now, you might be wondering what all these numbers really mean for our city and beyond. Here’s the scoop:
- For the city of Greenville, the arena has driven $482 million in cumulative net new direct spending.
- This has resulted in a total economic output of $875 million and supported over 750 jobs. It’s great news for our friends and neighbors!
- For Greenville County, the numbers are equally impressive, with $468 million in net new direct spending and around 760 jobs created.
- Statewide, the arena makes waves too, contributing about $402 million in net new direct spending, leading to 1,150 jobs in South Carolina.
To put it simply, the arena not only brings us entertaining events but also fuels local businesses, keeps our community thriving, and fills pockets with earnings—around $250 million in personal earnings to be exact!
More Than Just Numbers
It’s important to highlight that the arena isn’t only about dollars and cents. It brings folks together! Each year, over 600,000 visitors flock to the arena for concerts, sports, and local events. This influx of visitors means more dining out, hotel stays, and shopping for our local businesses.
Greenville Arena District’s General Manager, Beth Paul, expressed how proud she is of the arena’s contributions. “Our goal is to be an arena deeply connected to the community of which we are fortunate to be a part,” she said. How heartwarming is that?
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Since its grand opening, Bon Secours Wellness Arena has welcomed over 12 million fans and hosted nearly 3,000 events—that’s a whole lot of fun! Just last year, the renowned Southeastern Conference women’s basketball tournament brought a jaw-dropping $16 million economic impact in just five days. That’s what we call a landmark event!
The arena runs smoothly with a dedicated team of 32 full-time professionals and is recognized as one of the busiest venues of its size, typically hosting around 130 ticketed events every year, plus tons of community gatherings.
The Bottom Line
So, as we celebrate this big milestone, let’s give a round of applause to Bon Secours Wellness Arena and its incredible impact on our community. Here’s to many more years of entertainment and growth for Greenville!
