Burning Man festival brings $35 million to regional economy

“Northern Nevada should expect to rake in about $35 million from Burning Man this year, festival officials said,” the Reno Gazette-Journal is reporting.

“The weeklong arts and free-expression festival is expected to draw at least 68,000 people to the middle of the Black Rock Desert near Gerlach. The participants, known as Burners, come from across the world and spend significant amounts of money at Reno and Sparks businesses to gear up for the playa.

“’We estimate that participants spend about $30 million a year coming to and from the event and buying supplies,’ said Megan Miller, Burning Man public relations manager. ‘The Black Rock City organization spends an additional $5 million on planning costs, law enforcement, emergency services, construction, labor and supplies.’

“Burning Man’s economic impact affects a broad range of businesses.

“The Black Rock City LLC, which is the organizer, is a Nevada entity and pays a percentage of its profits to the state, as well as permits charges and fees. More than 61,000 tickets were sold to this year’s event, ranging from $190 to $380. Most of the tickets were sold at $380, Miller said.

“This year’s $35 million estimation is higher than previous years’ estimates of $15 million. Festival organizers survey participants each year about their costs, and last year included Reno and Sparks area businesses in its report for the first time.”

The rest of the article is here.