Press reports are repeatedly filled with remarks made by City of Mesa officials (mostly the Mayor and City Manager), that the loss of the Chicago Cubs spring training would be an economic disaster for Mesa, Maricopa County and the State of Arizona in general. These statements are based on a couple of studies paid for by the city over the past year or so. While there are many exaggerated claims made in these studies, it is best to focus on these overly optimistic assertions one at time. Because the primary basis for all of the economic impact of the Cubs spring training revolves around attendance at Cubs contests played with other Cactus League teams, it seems logical to examine just how many people are drawn to these events.
The City Claim – If the Cubs were to leave Arizona, the Cactus League would suffer a loss of 345,000 attendees.
The Fact – The number used by the city (345,000) is greater than the total number of people who attended all of Chicago Cubs games played, both at home in Mesa and at other teams’stadiums as well. Beyond the simple impossibility involved here, it would also be true that not everyone going to a Cubs game is a Cubs fan since baseball does require two teams.
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