Pacific Life Open proves jackpot for local economy

Public Record, The, Mar 15, 2005 by Davis, Rick

"The next two years, we tried a lesser sponsorship after asking ourselves if we needed to be that heavy a sponsor. But now this year and for the next two years we're back to being a presenting sponsor."

Tournament director Charlie Pasarell noted the PLO "has brought great national and international exposure to the valley, which translates into a significant economic impact. As the region and the tournament continue to grow, the future impact could be incredible," said Berneimer

Pasarell added that he and Raymond Moore, his partner in PM Sports that owns a 50 percent interest in the tournament, currently are attempting to refinance an 8 percent loan on the $77 million facility which opened in 2000. Moore said the goal is to restructure the debt with the help of a government agency (Riverside County or the city of Indian Wells), possibly through a bond measure, and end up with a new loan of 6 percent or lower.

TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIPS

Title sponsor: Pacific Life

Presenting sponsor: City of Indian Wells

Host sponsors: Fila USA, Mercedes-Benz, Franklin Templeton Investments, Bulova Watches-Macy's West, Paterno Wines, Steve Furgal's International Tennis Tours, HEAD-Penn Racquet Sports

PACIFIC LIFE OPEN

What: Combined mens and women's top-tier professional tennis tournament with total of $5,074,600 in prize money.

Where: Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

When: March 9-20 (day and evening sessions on many days).

History- 2005 marks the 30th edition of the event that has been staged at various desert venues - Mission Hills, La Quinta Resort, Hyatt Grand Champions and now the tennis garden.

Information: 200-8000.

BY THE NUMBERS

16,100 - Seating capacity of tennis garden stadium

$100,967,000 - Estimated impact on local economy

267,834 - Total attendance at the 2004 tournament

$3,500,000 - Amount raised for charity by tournament in 30 years

800 - Volunteers for 2005 tournament

79 percent - Attendees from out of town

$600,000 - Sponsorship fee paid to tournament by city of Indian Wells