Hotels in downtown were full.  Restaurants were packed.  The downtown area was filled with excitement two weeks ago.  Now, the economic impact of the Garth Brooks concert is confirmed.  The out of town visitors brought in by the concert series generated an estimated $6.4 million in new economic activity in the area over the four days.  Local concert goers showed their support for the event by spending an additional $4.4 million, which resulted in an estimated$7.3 million in economic activity that was retained in the area as a result of the concerts. 

“Planning was the key to success with this endeavor,” says AJ Boleski, INTRUST Bank Arena general manager.  “Our staff was amazing and the partnership with other organizations pulling together was a valuable part of the mix.”

Of the 75,000 tickets sold, about 1/3 were out of town guests.  Visitors in the Center for Economic Development and Business Research report were identified as anyone traveling more than 100 miles for the concert.  These guests played a large role in the overall success of this event simply by enjoying themselves in Wichita.  “Visitors dined, shopped and stayed throughout Wichita,” said Visit Wichita president & CEO Susie Santo.  “Our hotels in the downtown area were full but that meant those hotels both east and west saw an increase in visitor stays as well.  This concert literally benefited all areas of Wichita.”

Many retail businesses and restaurants reported seeing more customers during the four day time period and getting people out to explore downtown was a clear benefit. “The Garth Brooks concerts were an economic driver for Downtown businesses and the entire City of Wichita,” shared Jeff Fluhr, president of the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation. “In the short five years the arena has been open, it continues to positively impact our community and our economy.”

More than $1 million in tax revenue was realized at the city, county and state levels combined due to this four day event.