What is the Waste Management Phoenix Open?
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most iconic events on the PGA Tour, held annually at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. The tournament is known for its fan-centric atmosphere, particularly at the famous 16th hole stadium, and draws some of the largest crowds in professional golf. The 2026 tournament is projected to host 500,000 attendees and generate an estimated $222.6 million in event spending. Beyond its status as a premier golf tournament, the Open has become a major economic engine for the Phoenix metro area, attracting visitors from across the country, supporting local businesses, and generating substantial activity across CRE property types.
Visitor Spending and Economic Impact
Out-of-state visitors accounted for approximately 114,000 attendees in 2025 and contribute significantly to net-new spending in the region. Historical data from the 2022 Arizona State University economic impact study found that the event generated nearly $454 million in total economic activity, including $276.8 million in state GDP contribution and supporting 4,290 jobs. The scale of this impact highlights how concentrated, short-duration events can drive outsized economic effects when supported by established infrastructure.
Of that total, roughly $55.4 million was direct spending on event operations, including tents, equipment, food and beverage, signage, parking, security, and hotel accommodations for PGA Tour participants, media, and staff. In 2022, $220 million in indirect and induced economic activity amplified the effect of direct spending, demonstrating how the event reverberates through the Phoenix-area economy.
Hospitality and Short-Term Rental Impact
Hotels and short-term rental properties, including Airbnb, see some of the most immediate effects of the tournament. Scottsdale and nearby Phoenix experience near-full occupancy and elevated rates, especially for luxury and full-service hotels. These predictable spikes make the hospitality sector particularly attractive to investors who can capitalize on annual, high-demand periods.
Based on previous data, it is estimated that $80–90 million in lodging revenue is generated during tournament week, with additional spending at local restaurants, bars, and retail outlets, amplifying the effect. This concentration of demand also contributes to incremental sales tax revenues, historically estimated at $17.6 million in 2022, distributed among Scottsdale, Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona.
Operational Build-Out and CRE Demand
In addition to visitor-driven spending, the operational footprint of the Open generates temporary demand for office, industrial, and logistics space, as the TPC Scottsdale build-out begins in October of the prior year and continues through tournament week. The event supports approximately 4,300 jobs, including construction, staging, logistics, and operations crews responsible for temporary structures, media installations, security infrastructure, and event facilities. Retailers and restaurants in Scottsdale’s entertainment corridors also benefit from the concentrated foot traffic, creating predictable short-term boosts in revenue that make the area attractive for commercial investment and seasonal leasing strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Hospitality Demand: Hotels and short-term rentals near TPC Scottsdale will see near-full occupancy, with out-of-state visitors driving $80–90M in lodging revenue.
- Retail & Restaurant Boosts: Visitor spending fuels temporary spikes in local restaurants and retail, contributing to an overall $222M in direct event spending.
- Operational Demand: Tournament staging and media operations create short-term office, industrial, and logistics leasing opportunities.
- Predictable Annual Impact: Economic impact totals around $450M, demonstrating a predictable, consistent ripple effect across the Phoenix-area CRE ecosystem.
