CFD Releases Updated Economic Impact Study

Cheyenne Frontier Days refreshed an economic impact study last year to quantify the economic benefits generated from visitors outside of Laramie County to the City of Cheyenne and Laramie County.  Dean Runyan Associates, of Portland, Oregon conducted the research using data generated from the 2018 event; prior studies were conducted in 2015 and 2012. Dean Runyan Associates also produces economic impact research for the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

The 2018 edition of the Daddy of ‘em All was a solid year for attendance despite heavy, daily rainfalls. A total of 543,705 people attended all combined events during the ten-day celebration and a total of 247,655 tickets were sold. 

Economic impacts resulting from direct visitor spending surrounding the event totaled approximately $27.1 million, down slightly from $28 million in 2015, which was a record year for attendance.

Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig said, “We are pleased to report this economic benefit to our city and county. Our mission is to bring visitors to Cheyenne and Laramie County to support economic well-being for the entire community. We continue to focus on this priority and deliver consistent results.”

“We are proud of our volunteers and the work that we do to support Cheyenne and Laramie County,” said Jimmy Dean Siler, General Chairman. “In collaboration with city and county officials, we host visitors from across town, all fifty states and around the globe, to experience the history and traditions of the iconic American West.”

2018 Economic impacts of visitors who reside outside of Laramie County

● Visitors to Cheyenne Frontier Days spent $27.1 million in Laramie County.

● These visitors spent approximately $5.3 million on food and beverages in restaurants and bars, $5.1 million on overnight accommodations, $7.8 million on entertainment and recreation, including ticket sales, and $8.8 million on retail purchases, including motor fuel and groceries.

● Other direct economic impacts include approximately 302 full- and part-time jobs, $5 million in earnings (wage and salary disbursements), $633,000 in local tax revenue, and $683,000 in state tax revenue.

● Total economic impacts resulting from direct visitor spending which include secondary impacts, also known as “multiplier effects,” resulted in approximately $35 million of business activity generated for Laramie County.

2018 Profile of Cheyenne Frontier Days Attendees

● The majority of Cheyenne Frontier Days attendees participated in a Frontier Nights/Concert (72%) and/or the Rodeo (74%).

● A large portion (68%) attended Cheyenne Frontier Days during a previous year.

● Attending Cheyenne Frontier Days was the primary purpose for travel to Laramie County for the vast majority of overnight (79%) and day (97%) visitors.

● Just under half (49%) of Cheyenne Frontier Days attendees stayed overnight while traveling.

● Among overnight visitors, over half (68%) stayed in a hotel, motel, lodge, or B&B; most of the reminder stayed in private homes with friends and relatives, or in campgrounds.

● Cheyenne Frontier Days attendees traveled to or through a number of Wyoming communities and places including: Laramie, Casper, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Snowy Range, and Cody.

Unique Attendees and Attendees from Outside of Laramie County

Unique Attendees          Outside of Laramie County Attendees 2012   144,000                            112,313 2015   149,300                             125,397 2018   142,000                             105,689

Cheyenne Frontier Days is a major Rocky Mountain regional event with numerous Western heritage activities and experiences; while some events charge admission, many events are free. Attendance measures include totals that track both paid attendance and total attendance. It is recognized as the consummate Western heritage, cultural, and entertainment experience in the world. Cheyenne Frontier Days is a top attraction in the state of Wyoming behind Yellowstone National Park, Jackson and Grand Teton National Park.

“It’s no surprise Cheyenne Frontier Days attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe,” said Diane Shober, Executive Director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism. “As one of Wyoming’s most treasured events, CFD brings the cowboy history and spirit to life during its ten-day celebration.” 

Hirsig recognizes the importance of Cheyenne Frontier Days to the rest of Wyoming as a travel destination. “This study shows that many travelers incorporate CFD into their summer plans that include other destinations, or a road trip, in Wyoming. In this way, we deliver a positive economic impact not only to our community, but to our entire state, as part of a larger itinerary.”