If the Indy Car race fan or not, can doubt the impact of the Grand Prix races are held in the city. If decibels or dollars, the races have a significant effect.
Take Saint Petersburg, Florida, where a recent Indy Car race was held, for example. The most pressing issue for many residents of St. Pete was the sound. Indy cars are very strong and powerful race took place from 8:30 AM until approximately 5:00 pm each day. Depending on where residents live in decibels (dB) levels achieved from 110 to 122. How strong is 122 dB ? A typical conversation occurs at about 60 dB. Washing produce 75 dB. A power tool generates around 100 dB. Shot and can cause immediate hearing loss, with the sound reaching 140 to 190 dB, depending on the weapon.
Due to permanent hearing loss occurs in broadening the exposure of 85 dB or more, it’s safe to say that race is dangerously noisy, even for non-attendees. But it is the Grand Prix to produce a positive effect also ?
Only if you call more than 5 million dollars in revenue “good.”
This figure was one result of the city of Saint Petersburg ‘s 2005 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Economic Impact Study. “The study was done to document the economic impact of the 2005 race in the city. He concluded that, according to estimates provided by various media, 70,000 spectators attended the event over three days in April.
According to the study, “the combined economic impact of expenditure by visitors in commercial accommodation, temporary residents, tourists and people visiting relatives and friends (outside the county attending), in conjunction with the Honda Grand Prix of Saint Petersburg is $ 5, 131.070.
This figure reflects only event spectators, and excludes the impact generated by the organizers, sponsors and crews. These groups are likely to significantly increase the total amount according to Dave Goodwin, Director of Economic Development. “The race teams and their environment and careers in the media are in town for several days, many remain in hotel rooms, dine in local restaurants and visit local shops and stores.” All this adds up to thousands of dollars spent in San Pedro.
And the impact will be repeated each year celebrates the race. 70.000 2005 race for the spectators, 85.7% of attendees came specifically for the race. 6.4%, or 4480, he fell in half of the companies for the presentation of two nights. And all those who claimed to be back for the 2006 race.
Rick Mussett, St. Peter s Manager City Development is the positive effect is much greater than that quantified $ 5 million. “The IRL [Indy Racing League] and ESPN reported that the 2005 race was broadcast in 203 countries and territories, and seen by 309 million households,” Mussett said in an e-mail. “This race is probably the greatest impact on the city throughout the world, the exhibition gives an important boost to our image!”
Goodwin agreed. When asked if the race had an economic impact beyond the days of racing, said the Grand Prix could be the best 2 hours of economic / commercial city tourist does not pay “due to their emissions EPSN. Anything that shows the city and encourages the viewer to visit, relocate, or start a business adds to the economic base of the city. ”
In addition, Goodwin said the Economic Development Department of the City and the Association of Tampa Bay for the coverage of the international race to host the foreign press and professional site selectors. These people “and then lie to tell the story of Saint Petersburg and the surrounding region,” said Goodwin.
Regardless of the Grand Prix or the aversion of cacophonous noise and three days of activity, there is no denying the long-term positive impact on the city of San Pedro. Immediately dollars spent by fans and crew exposure to the international price, the Grand Prix races are ideal for the local economy.
