Common Sense Institute, (CSI), released a fiscal impact report announcing the iconic and treasured National Western Stock Show drives a $171 million in economic impact over the 16-day event.
View the CSI press release, December 19, 2023 below:
National Western Stock Show Drives $171 Million Impact and over 700,000 Attendees
“Super Bowl” of Livestock Shows to Kick off 2024 with Enormous Economic Impact
Denver, CO – A Denver tradition since 1906, the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) kicks off on January 6th and is to have an enormous economic impact. In 2023, the 16-day event totaled $171 million in economic activity according to a report released today by Common Sense Institute (CSI).
“Denver is home to basketball, hockey, and football championships, as well as all-star games and headliner music events but nothing symbolizes our city and the West quite like the Stock Show,” said J.J. Ament, President & CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber. Ament is a member of both the National Western Stock Show Board and the CSI Board.
In addition to $171 million in economic activity from the Stock Show, CSI reports an additional $26.4 million in direct spending from 97 events on the National Western Complex grounds that take place throughout the year and an injection of $1 billion in new construction that comes with redevelopment of the complex.
The annual event, known as the “Super Bowl” of livestock shows, is one of the most prestigious horse shows and rodeos in the world according to Ament. “This is the crown jewel of events in our region showcasing Colorado to audiences across the world and drawing more than 702,000 visitors from across the state and nation.”
Among the key findings of the CSI report:
- The National Western Stock Show (NWSS), held annually in Denver over 16 days in January, supported $171 million in economic activity in 2023. That total is more than all of the home games for the CU Buffaloes, more than the NBA finals for the Denver Nuggets and more than twice the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
- The economic impacts of the National Western Stock Show were driven by the the 702,698 attendees who attended the show along with competitors and exhibitors from across the world.
- The Western Stock Show Association (WSSA) generates year-round impacts to the economy beyond the 16-day National Western. In 2023, WSSA spent more than $3.6 million on education and scholarships, managed 97 other events throughout the year that drew 482,530 in attendees and an estimated $26.4 million in direct spending.
- The broader efforts to redevelop the National Western Complex is injecting more than $1 billion in new construction that will expand impact and operations in the future.
For a detailed view of the report and its findings, click here: View Report