Bloomsday Economic Impact Study

Bloomsday's impact on the Spokane region is not limited to improved cardiovascular fitness. The event results in a significant economic impact as well. In 2004, a study prepared for the Lilac Bloomsday Association by Gonzaga University students Dan Futrell and Luke Hallstone, with oversight by Professor Scott Bozman, showed a direct economic impact of $9,576,959.64. In 2010 dollars, this would equal $11,074,544.66, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website. In addition, factoring in the 26.6% increase in Bloomsday entrants since 2004, the 2010 equivalent economic impact would be approximately $14,020,372.00.

The Bloomsday Economic Impact Study was an assignment for a Research Methods class at Gonzaga. The survey was conducted by 60 marketing students from Gonzaga's Jepson School of Business. 568 Bloomsday finishers and 202 spectators were interviewed near the runner statues in Riverfront Park immediately following the run. Study results were as follows:

Direct Economic Impact (includes participants and spectators): $9,576,959.64 (2010 equivalent is approximately $14,020,372.00)

Expense Breakdown:

Travel	$2,882,512.21
Lodging	$1,876,735.71
Food	$2,136,739.68
Entertainment	$605,255.53
Services & Products	$2,075,716.51
TOTAL	$9,576,959.64

The average runner brought in $241.42 (including spectator expenditures)

A full copy of the study is available on request.

Previous Bloomsday economic impact study results:

1985: $1,222,991.00

1996: $8,075,662.00