ECONOMIC NEWS
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Touchdown for O.C.'s economy
Region sees benefit from BCS National Championship teams, visitors.
By Kristen SchottPublished: January 06, 2010 10:53 AM
Photo courtesy of FotoliaAlthough the BCS National Championship will be played in Pasadena, Orange County (Newport Beach, in particular) has been a picturesque backdrop in much of the media coverage leading up to tonight’s game. That’s because both teams, a number of news agencies and throngs of boosters, alumni and committed fans have been staying at area hotels, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
The Alabama Crimson Tide took up residence at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, the Texas Longhorns are at the Fairmont Newport Beach, several media outlets are at the Newport Beach Marriott and other out-of-town game-goers are scattered around the region.
And the teams have been utilizing local athletic centers to gear up for the big day since Saturday: The Crimson Tide practiced at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and the Longhorns took over UC Irvine's athletic complex.
Newport Beach alone has seen an uptick in visitors since Jan. 1, says Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Richard Luehrs. He says groups started coming in "by the bus load" on Sunday and Monday.
Luehrs says the influx of visitors will have a "tremendous impact, into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even the millions," at a time when hotel occupancies are typically down. It’s a much-need post-holiday boost.
So, why is Newport Beach – which isn't exactly next door to Pasadena – a hub for the visitors?
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Photo courtesy of Fotolia The Alabama Crimson Tide took up residence at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, the Texas Longhorns are at the Fairmont Newport Beach, several media outlets are at the Newport Beach Marriott and other out-of-town game-goers are scattered around the region. And the teams have been utilizing local athletic centers to gear up for the big day since Saturday: The Crimson Tide practiced at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and the Longhorns took over UC Irvine's athletic complex. Newport Beach alone has seen an uptick in visitors since Jan. 1, says Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Richard Luehrs. He says groups started coming in "by the bus load" on Sunday and Monday. Luehrs says the influx of visitors will have a "tremendous impact, into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even the millions," at a time when hotel occupancies are typically down. It’s a much-need post-holiday boost. So, why is Newport Beach – which isn't exactly next door to Pasadena – a hub for the visitors? NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines Great Anaheim Apps Challenge lauds winners O.C. gets boost from Cirque du Soleil Surf City Half Marathon organizers gear up for big year |
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