Baseball bucks: MLB spring training pumps $800M into Arizona economy

Sep 10, 2015, 4:38 PM

Young fans try for autographs by Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols before a spring training baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Tempe, Ariz., Sunday, March 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

PHOENIX — Major League Baseball’s spring training in Arizona, better known as the Cactus League, pumped $800 million into the state’s economy last year, a study said.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said the study, conducted by Tucson-based FMR Associates, proved the league is a big draw for people from out of town. About $544 million came from outside Arizona’s borders.

“That’s basically a Super Bowl every year,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce President Greg Hamer said.

About 56 percent of the visitors rented a vehicle and more than a third took in other sightseeing activities during their stay.

A record 1.9 million fans took in a 2015 spring training game. Hamer said the 15-team Cactus League is a great marketing tool for the state.

“Preseason baseball opens doors for us to promote Arizona all over the country in markets like Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle, just to name a few,” he said.

The money doesn’t stop when the players head off to play in the regular season. According to the study, spring training venues contribute an additional $265 million to the economy by hosting baseball tournaments, concerts, fireworks shows, and other events.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.