WestWorld of Scottsdale isn't just a place for shows and special events — it's a multimillion-dollar economic engine. On Monday, Aug. 18, City Council members gathered in a work study session to explore its operations, planned improvements and future growth.

In fiscal year 2024/25, WestWorld hosted 80 unique events. 39 equestrian competitions and events took advantage of the facility's numerous arenas and barns, while 41 special events occurred in WestWorld's many unique spaces, including the enormous Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center, the Polo Fields and other indoor and outdoor spots.

Many of these were multi-day affairs, resulting in 257 days of activity. For nearly two-thirds of the year (210 days), WestWorld was hosting multiple events simultaneously, showcasing the flexibility of the 386-acre site and the city of Scottsdale's team of event professionals who manage it. These events ranged from horse shows and auto auctions to art exhibitions and martial arts competitions, demonstrating WestWorld's evolution into a versatile, high-performing venue unlike any other in Arizona.

A proven economic engine

Beyond the buzz and spectacle, the facility is delivering serious results.

A 2024 economic impact study conducted by Arizona State University's Seidman Research Institute found that WestWorld contributed $163.6 million to Arizona's GDP in fiscal year 2023/24. The study focused on 22 major ticketed events and highlighted the power of tourism to generate fresh dollars in the local economy.

That impact goes far beyond the WestWorld grounds. Visitors attending its events fill nearby hotels, dine in local restaurants, shop in Scottsdale's retail districts and use transportation services. The steady flow of out-of-town guests creates demand for a wide range of businesses, spreading the economic benefits throughout Scottsdale and the greater region.

Additional findings from the study include:

• $85.6 million in labor income
• $4.8 million in direct state and local tax revenues
• 1,813 jobs supported statewide

Researchers surveyed both in-person and online event attendees, with a focus on non-local visitors to gauge tourism's true impact.

Among WestWorld's 2024/25 event highlights:

• Two Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions (October and January)
• Global Champions Arabian Tour, a world-class equestrian event committed to return through 2028, along with the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, among the world's largest
• A 25% increase in participants at the National Reined Cow Horse Association show
• Continued growth of The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, which included the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week featuring 120 galleries from across North America
• The first-ever Scottsdale Fair and Festival with rides, games, and family attractions
• The debut of United Fight League's mixed martial arts competition

Capital improvements keep WestWorld competitive

To ensure WestWorld continues delivering on its tourism potential, the city completed several capital projects in fiscal year 2024/25:

• Replacement of one of the venue's horse barns
• Installation of a concrete floor and restrooms in the South Hall of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center
• $1.9 million in parking lot resurfacing

Planned improvements for FY 2025/26 include an additional barn replacement, flood drainage upgrades and a full renovation of Monterra, WestWorld's on-site banquet and meeting venue, which the city now manages.

Investing in tourism

Tourism is a critical revenue driver for Scottsdale, accounting for a significant portion of the city's sales and bed tax collections. Facilities like WestWorld, designed specifically to draw high-value events and out-of-town visitors, are vital to sustaining that economic engine.

“WestWorld is a shining example of how strategic public investment can deliver economic returns for the community,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “From its humble beginnings, WestWorld has grown into one of the most impactful tourism assets in the region, helping us fund city services, support local jobs and strengthen Scottsdale's position on the national stage.”

As Scottsdale continues to support economic vitality, WestWorld remains a key player welcoming the world to Scottsdale while giving back to the community that built it.

Following-up on the Aug. 18 City Council discussion

WestWorld users, primarily representing the equestrian community, addressed the City Council at a Tuesday, Aug. 18 work study meeting, The City Council also heard a presentation from staff with details on the facility's history and usage along with plans to address needed infrastructure improvements including site drainage. Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, described how drainage issues at the site are ever present, and at times have nearly affected the auto auction, which is the largest single event held at WestWorld.

As the discussion concluded, City Manager Greg Caton committed to several follow-up actions, addressing the main points made during Tuesday's discussion:

• Within 90 days, staff will provide a plan to address short-term fixes, such as repairing or replacing portable horse stalls and venue sound systems which are in need of attention so that the steady flow of events can continue
• Within 120 days, a comprehensive infrastructure master plan will be delivered, laying out the investment strategy that will correct drainage, parking and access issues including $18 million in projects slated to begin in the current fiscal year
• Within 180 days, staff will complete the WestWorld Strategic Plan, a comprehensive way forward so that the multiuse venue can continue to serve its core constituent partners and producers while also growing and operating in the most efficient and effective way

Additionally, recruitment in underway for a key staff position – WestWorld assistant general manager; the goal is to hire a seasoned professional who has substantial equestrian experience to ensure that WestWorld's fundamental equestrian roots continue to be served as the facility evolves.

Review the reports:

• The annual economic impact of WestWorld for the city of Scottsdale 
• The annual economic impact of WestWorld for Maricopa County