Preliminary accounting for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco pegs the economic impact of the event at $364 million versus original projections of $1.4 billion, with roughly 700,000 spectators versus a projected 2.7 million, and a deficit of at least $5.5 million to be covered by the City.

If the construction of San Francisco’s new cruise ship terminal at Pier 27 is included in the numbers, the total economic impact is closer to $550 million with 3,800 jobs created including 900 jobs related to the terminal work. While construction of the terminal was fast-tracked because of the America’s Cup, its development was planned and approved prior to the event.

14 thoughts on “San Francisco’s America’s Cup Accounting And Projected Deficit”
  1. Not an awful result, given the ridiculousness of the promises made at the beginning and the potential exposure of the City. The City very wisely pulled back from throwing more money in (or giving away the store to Ellison in terms of future development rights) mid-course.
    I NEVER believe the “economic impact” numbers estimated for events like this, but they were doubtless positive, and benefitted hotels and restaurants and retailers. So a bit of a sigh of relief, and hopes that these results will allow the City to make a more realistic and informed “bid” for the next America’s Cup. If not, let another sucker take it.

  2. Yeah could have been worse. Hopefully the organizers learned enough and are willing to put on another cup in a few years that attracts more teams, which would likely increase the attendance.

  3. I think it was a great event, and with planning tweaks (including a more competitive Louis Vuitton cup), the next experience will be even better. I hope the Cup stays here, and the NIMBYs don’t use this news to can it.

  4. Could have been a lot worse. SF could have thrown a billion down the drain known as “keep the 49ers”.

  5. The numbers would have been much better, if there were more competitors. Ellison is to blame for the low number of competitors due to his expensive and dangerous boat design.

  6. Formidable, you are so right. Oakland, which can scant afford it, keeps pouring money into efforts to keep the A’s. So far only planning money but still millions more than this effort, which actually produced real benefits to the City. So in the grand scheme of civic boondoggles this wasn’t so bad.

  7. The city will probably benefit more than $5.5 million in increased tourism and related spending from people going on and ending their cruises at the new cruise ship facilities during the time frame saved by fast tracking the dock.

  8. This is how you steal tax dollars for private benefit, with city people pushing the lies as much and as willingly as Larry. Hope those VIP comps had comfy seats and the shrimp were fresh.

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