Title
Resolution to Participate in and Support Bid to Host 2028 USATF Olympic Trials Marathon and Related Events (Resolution 22347) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize a resolution to express support for, and authorize the City's participation in, the bid to host the 2028 USA Track & Field (USATF) Olympic Trials Marathon and related events.
Report
Summary
As part of the USATF-required bid submittals, the Phoenix Sports & Events Commission, a division of Visit Phoenix, has requested a declaration of support from the City of Phoenix for the 2028 USATF Olympic Trials Marathon bid. This resolution will express the City's support for the bid through the commitment of general government services including: assistance with permitting coordination, licensing and plan reviews; facilitating branding, décor, signage and street pole banners; providing a dedicated Citywide liaison; street transportation and traffic coordination; public safety support and emergency preparedness services at no cost; and use of certain City-controlled venues at no cost for official USATF or United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) events.
The 2028 USATF Olympic Trials Marathon and a mass participation marathon would take place on Phoenix streets. Lodging and other meeting activities would also be held in Phoenix. The expo for a mass participation marathon would be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. These events would take place in March of 2028. A hotel room block commitment of roughly 1,500 rooms would be housed in Phoenix to support athletes, coaches, media, USATF and USOPC staff and officials. Based on event history, over 100,000 total spectators are expected.
There are many benefits to cities who host the USATF Olympic Trials Marathon. Based on previous iterations of the USATF Olympic Trials Marathon, host cities can expect to realize an overall economic impact of $13.5 million. These events would also bring 250 national and international media members to Phoenix, showcasing the City on television broadcasts to 1.6 million viewers nationally across NBC and Peacock, as well as approximately 21 million social media impressions resulting in estimated media value of $27 million.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Amber Williamson and the Phoenix Convention Center Department.