Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

CONTACT:

Cara Schneider

GPTMC

(215) 599-0776

X GAMES "LOVES YOU BACK" VISITOR POLL

SUMMARY

Methodology: In-person random intercept study of 300 spectators at the X Games in Philadelphia. Surveys were conducted between August 11 – 20 at the First Union Center, the Schuylkill River and City Hall (all competition sites).

Overall Philadelphia Experience: Philadelphia scored an average 4.1 out of 5. The sub-group with the highest rating was first-time visitors staying in a hotel: 4.5.

Groups most responsible for positive spectator experience:

X Games Staff (39%)
Local residents (29%)
Police (10%)
SEPTA, taxi and other drivers (9%)
Hotel Staff (5%)

Top visitor attractions: The Liberty Bell or Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute and South Street

What surprised spectators most:

X Games were free and well-organized
X Games are returning to Philadelphia next year
Staff, vendors and locals were very friendly
City is much easier to get around than NY or Boston
Philadelphia’s architecture

Spectator Key Demographics:

42% out-of-towners; 58% area residents
44% of out-of-towners stayed in a hotel; 18% with friends or family
26% of out-of-towners had never been to Philadelphia before
85% of all respondents plan to come to the 2002 X Games in Philadelphia
100%of respondents were at the X Games with family; 35% had friends in the group, too.

They’ll be back: 95% of out-of-town visitors plan to return to Philadelphia.

Selected quotes from visitors:

"I like the whole town. I prefer Philadelphia to LA or New York because of its buildings and beautiful people.
– Antoine, Paris

I am glad I could come out and be a part of the X Games because they are so close to home. This is a much needed vacation!" – Marcus, Boston

"Everyone was friendly and willing to help. I was also impressed with the clean, fast subway."
– Mariann, New Jersey

"The buildings are bigger and the city is a lot cleaner than I expected." – Greg, Connecticut

"This is great! I’m a gym teacher and our kids love this.
In our ‘alternative gym groups,’ we encourage our kids to do these sports." – Ruth, Newtown Square

"This place really rocks!" -- Robyn (age 8), Mt. Pocono

"The Games give great exposure to Philadelphia. They give the city a modern image" – Griff, Willow Grove

"There is more enthusiasm and diversity from the fans (than other X Games cities). Everyone here knows the X Games is going on.
– Rick, Vermont (X Games Staff)

"This feels the most European of the (X Games host cities) because of the buildings and the atmosphere
– Eduardo, Madrid (flatland/bike stunt competitor)

"This shows that Philadelphia can be open to alternative events and a young, diverse crowd."
– Corey, Philadelphia

"This is all so family oriented." – Dennis, New York

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