Cirque du Soleil translates to $2.5M boost
A strong run and support from the community combined to bring a $2.5-million boost to the local economy from last week’s Cirque du Soleil show in Medicine Hat, according to officials from the Canalta Centre.
Officials with facility manager SMG-Canada said Friday their analysis of ticket sales show goers from 20 different cities in North America were among the combined crowd of 15,230 that took in seven shows.
“It really was an incredible week,” said general manager Tammy Sweeney on Friday.
“We had a lot of tickets sold the week of (the performances). That’s people who saw the show talking with their neighbours and going online talking about how it’s a show you have to see.”
Sweeney said the majority of patrons were local, but based on estimates, spending by visitors to the city amounted to about $765,000, and not just on ticket sales.
SMG uses an industry that formula assigns spending estimates based on distance travelled, then assumes accommodation, food purchases and other expenses in the greater community.
“The spin-off of live events in our community is incredible,” reads a statement from the Canalta Centre. “No matter how big or small an event is, the direct impact on our local restaurants, hotels, retail shops, transportation and more, is vital to the health of a community.”