EVERETT — Area leaders are elated that the prominent tennis event at Angel of the Winds Arena Feb. 7 and 8 rained an estimated $4 million into Snohomish County.
The arena saw sellout crowds of 6,367 spectators each day for the match-up, according to the U.S. Tennis Association.
Everett got sizable media exposure as well, the county’s sports tourism manager Tammy Dunn said. The Fed Cup qualifier generated stories by Forbes magazine and the Associated Press that discussed Everett.
“It is tremendous,” Dunn said, adding that the attention showcases the kinds of sports events the county can host.
The association’s president and chairman told The Seattle Times “there’s a very good chance” they might return to Everett.
Team USA won 3-2 over Latvia’s team this year.
The $4 million estimate is based on past event results. A 2019 Fed Cup qualifier in Asheville, North Carolina saw a smaller crowd and generated $3 million.
“I feel very blessed to see the world’s best women’s tennis players play in Everett,” Dunn said.
Her role is to foster sports events big and small.
During the weekend of the Fed Cup, a regional tournament in cornhole, the backyard game, took place a block-and-a-half away. The prize purse was $3,500.
Big events take time to secure, but bring a bonanza of dollars.
Angel of the Winds Arena hosted the Skate America figure skating championship and a premier gymnastics championship during the 2010s. The arena hosted the 2008 Skate America event as well.
Dunn said she’s working to get the arena on Skate America’s regular visiting rotation.
The 2018 and 2008 Skate America events each generated about $3 million locally; the Pacific Rim Gymnastics qualifier in 2012 raised $2.5 million.
Coming up next: Everett Community College hosts the regional Northwest Athletic Conference basketball tournament March 5 and 6 and then March 17 and 18, with 16 community college teams expected to play. In April and May, EvCC is hosting three different regional gymnastics competitions.
— Material from Tribune archives included in this story
