Economic Impact of THE PLAYERS Championship

There is a lot of hype leading up to, and throughout The Players Championship golf tournament held annually at TPC Sawgrass.  Everything from delicious food and drink vendors, to socializing in the picturesque setting, bring people in droves both near and far to be a part of it.  But this competitive golf event isn’t just for fun, it also has a substantial economic impact for the Northeast Florida region that you may be surprised by. 

Retail Sales Increase

Local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, see a spike in sales as tournament attendees frequent their establishments. A University of North Florida study completed in 2015 estimated the total economic impact of the event in Duval and St. Johns counties at over $40 million.

Large Influx of Non-local Visitors

A substantial portion of attendees come from outside the immediate area, contributing "new" money to the local economy through their spending on accommodations, dining, and entertainment.

The Jacksonville International Airport experienced record-breaking passenger traffic during the week of THE PLAYERS Championship in 2024. Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh named it the "largest and busiest week in history” and reported roughly 85,000 passengers for the week.

Community Investment 

The Players Championship invests heavily back into the community. One example of this is The Players Championship Boys and Girls Club. The Players financed the initial club and has constantly reinvested in the club. Several weeks ago, The Players Championship committed to a gift of $600,000 to complete the new Teen Center.

It’s clear The Players plays a major role in the success of our Northeast Florida counties and is definitely worth the hype!  Only a few more days remain of the tournament, if you haven’t experienced it yet, there’s still time! Visit us HERE to get your tickets!