Stockton Venues Contribute Huge Economic Impact

ASM Global engaged CSL International, a Minnesota-based company to conduct an economic impact study around the city’s three major entertainment venues, Adventist Health Arena, Bob Hope Theatre and Stockton Ballpark for FY2023.

The study found that the three venues hosted over 200 events and brought in over 300,000 attendees during FY2023, generated $25.6 million in annual direct spending and $13.1 million in annual indirect and induced spending, resulting in $38.7 million in annual impact on Stockton.

The stats cover from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, which does include the inaugural year of the Stockton Lantern Festival at the Stockton Ballpark.

"We are excited to continue to build on the momentum of success at the venues. This success is not just a result of the work of ASM Global’s local team but the strong collaboration with the City of Stockton, Visit Stockton, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Stockton Alliance as we work as one team to drive meaningful content to our community at large, " said ASM Global General Manager Jason Perry. "The impact the venues have on the community is felt by all, including our nonprofit sector that received over $186,000 in direct support in 2024."

CSL found that the three venues generated $9.8 million in personal income for roughly 450 full and part-time employees. They also showed that the attendee origin is 49% San Joaquin County, 28% non-local daytrip and 23% overnight stayers.

“When we said we'd make Stockton an economic powerhouse again, we kept our word, and this $38.7 million impact shows that's a promise kept,” said Stockon Mayor Christina Fugazi. “These numbers prove Stockton is rising up, and with 375,000 people choosing to spend their time and money in our city, the whole region is taking notice. We're not just bringing back jobs and opportunity, we're showing the world that Stockton is back and just getting started!”

In 2024, the venues saw 375,000 visitors, an average of 1,000 per day across 255 events. The number of events hosted by the venues has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels with a strong outlook as topline revenues have more than doubled since FY2019.

“This study confirms what we've long known — Stockton’s premier venues like the Adventist Health Arena, Bob Hope Theatre, and Stockton Ballpark are not just places for entertainment, they are economic engines for our city,” said Robyn Camino, CEO of Visit Stockton. “With more than $38 million in annual economic impact and over 300,000 attendees in a single year, these venues play a vital role in our tourism strategy and help fuel the growth of our local economy. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ASM Global to attract even more visitors and events to Stockton.”

Through the efforts to give back to the community, in 2024, the venues were able to make a large impact on several non-profit organizations. Through the non-profit concession program, we saw over $186,000 given back to local nonprofits. ASM Global volunteered 1,518 hours, donated 116 toys for Toys for Tots, donated over 1,500 cookies, as well as meals to our community valued over $7,000. The venues also were able to contribute over $14,000 worth of tickets and suite tickets for in-kind donations to help local nonprofits raise much needed funds through silent and live auction items, and the Adventist Health Arena Community Fund contributed over $10,000 to local non-profit organizations through financial donations.

"The ASM Global nonprofit program has allowed me to work with thirty to fifty parent volunteers at the Adventist Health Arena and Bob Hope Theatre events. The contributions allowed us to raise funds for the St. Mary's Tuition Program that has helped over fifty families to be able to keep their child/children attending St. Mary's High School.” Said Lori Green, St. Mary's High School. “Without this opportunity, St. Mary's would have to turn away 20% of our families who need help in funding a catholic education for their child. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation!"

In 2023, Legends Hospitality, a New York-based company and a joint venture of the ownership of the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys, announced its intent to acquire ASM Global. That deal was finalized in August 2024.

Adventist Health Arena and Stockton Ballpark, which opened in 2005, and the Bob Hope Theatre, which opened in 1930, are all owned by the City of Stockton.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. Acquired by Legends in 2024, the company’s elite network spans five continents, featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into innovative project development, planning, and execution; content programming; curated guest-immersive experiences; locally tailored solutions; and optimized revenue streams for our client’s properties and surrounding communities. Focused on value creation and economic growth, ASM Global realizes venue business potential to elevate the profitability and profile of our clients and partners. We cultivate strong, inclusive relationships with the communities we work and live in while championing the welfare and development of our employees and small business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient, and vibrant community.