Mesa Offers Vibrant Variety and Endless Opportunities
Mesa, with about 500,000 residents, is the 38th-largest city in the United States. Larger than Miami, Minneapolis, Atlanta and St. Louis, Mesa covers 133 square miles.
The Phoenix-Mesa region is a vibrant place to live, work and play. Mesa is unique among many cities in the Phoenix area because it is embraced by the Sonoran Desert - a playground of sought-after outdoor recreation and one-of-a-kind attractions. Pair this with fabulous weather, exquisite dining and ample shopping opportunities and Mesa is the perfect spring training destination.
Migration to Arizona
Cubs Fans Migrate to Arizona - to Live!
| By The Numbers | 2009 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Population | 6,629,455 | 10,347,543 | 12,830,829 |
| Greater Phoenix Population | 3,987,942 | 6,207,908 | 7,661,423 |
| Mesa Population | 500,000 | 584,866 | 633,700 |
More than 240,000 Illinois natives live year-round in Arizona. In fact, according to the latest Census data*, Phoenix is the top metro area with 167,381 residents born in Illinois. Another 133,855 live in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, less than a day's drive, or an hour flight.
Many Illinois natives are drawn to the West by the warmer climate. And Arizona has the highest concentration of Illinois natives (4.7%) out of the mild climate states in the top 10, ahead of California, Florida and Texas.
*Census Data from 2000
Population Statistics, Arizona Department of Commerce, Dec. 2008
Maps from Maricopa Association of Government
Economic & Fiscal Impact
Economic & Fiscal Benefit of the Cubs to the State of Arizona
The Chicago Cubs have a large and dedicated spectator following. These fans attend Cubs home games in Cactus League record numbers. But, they also follow the Cubs as they visit other Cactus League teams. Consequently, the Chicago Cubs are a major contributor to the Cactus League both in terms of its tradition and its current success.
Visitor Profile
Arizona attracted 32.4 million overnight visitors in 2008. Of those, 22.6 million were non-residents or "out-of-state" visitors.
- 768,400 visitors to Arizona are from Illinois
- 83% of the non-residents' purpose of the trip is leisure
- 72% of the non-residents stay in paid accommodations
- The average age is 46
- The average household income is $78,400
- The average length of stay is 4.3 nights and the average party size was 2.7 people.ns
- 65% of the 11,000 fans at Cubs games in Mesa are from out-of-state.
- Those fans stay an average of six nights and spend $305 a day.
Services
Convenient and Affordable Access from Chicago to Mesa
More than 100 flights leave daily from Chicago to Phoenix. Thirteen are non-stop flights. Direct flights from Rockford and Peoria to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport also are offered twice a week. Phoenix Sky Harbor International is located just a few miles west of Mesa and is served by more than 20 airlines and has more than 1,400 arrivals and departures daily.
Mesa Airports
Mesa boasts two airports - Mesa Falcon Field Airport (MFFA), and Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (PMGA) with its long runways to accommodate commercial, general and recreational aviation.
- In 2009, PMGA served 600,000 passengers and is projected to grow to 2 to 5 million by 2030.
- Allegient Air currently flies out of PMGA to 20 destinations including Peoria and Rockford.
- MFFA is the 4th busiest general aviation airport in the US; second busiest general aviation airport in the Phoenix Metro area.
- More than 900 aircraft are based at MFFA with more than 300,000 flight operations annually.
Light-Rail for a Modern City
In the Phoenix-Mesa metro area, development near the existing 20 miles of light rail is already evident. Since 2004, investment in the light rail system itself has been $1.4 billion. Non-rail investment near the light rail route has been $7.4 billion. The City of Mesa is already expanding the light rail route to create additional opportunities for economic development, to modernize the city, and to enhance the Downtown core.
Stay and Play in a Fan's Paradise
Inspiring Unforgettable Southwestern Moments
Recognized worldwide for its broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities such as golf, biking and hiking, Greater Phoenix provides more than 320 days of sunshine each year. There are more than 200 picturesque golf courses, and the options for adventure are limitless. Within minutes of the Cubs' spring training home fans can take Jeep tours or hot-air balloon rides above spectacular scenery, go horseback riding or even rock climbing. Concerts, culture and culinary delights abound. More than three dozen luxurious resorts are scattered throughout the Valley of the Sun, many of which provide spectacular spas that offer special treatments native to Arizona.
Also Playing
Arizona is home to national sports teams including the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Mercury. Arizona also hosts a variety of marquee sporting events from college football and golf to tennis and NASCAR.
