It's Early, But So Far Open's Economic Impact Has Been Positive

While it's still premature to judge the economic impact the 2013 U.S. Open will have on the area, according to Ardmore Initiative executive director Christine Vilardo the early returns are good.

Vilardo said that Monday night was a lucrative one for many Ardmore bars and restaurants.

"McCloskey's was very busy last night. A la Maison was full last night. I think because of the rain, instead of the course people were hanging out downtown," said Vilardo, adding that Ardmore Pizza has seen a boom in business since Open visitors began filing into the area, though their delivery drivers are having a harder time than usual navigating town with the numerous road closures and detours. 

So far, she said, the Open's effect on area businesses has squared with expectations. When USGA representatives met with Vilardo and other business owners and leaders in January, they told them to temper their expectations: the tournament might help, but it was not going to bring a windfall.

"People are coming to watch golf," Vilardo acknowledged. "They're not coming to shop and eat and all that."

Point taken. But Vilardo and the Initiative are still taking steps to position the business community to take full advantage of the unique exposure, and opportunity, the event is providing Ardmore. Because Open visitors aren't being routed straight through town, Vilardo has enlisted 30 "Ardmore Ambassadors" to man the train stations, and the Merion Golf Club itself, to proselytize on the downtown's behalf.

Too early to tell if it's working, but Vilardo is playing a long game. If Ardmore presents itself well, the impact of the Open could be felt for some time. 

"We're not looking at just the impact for one week. We're looking for residual impact. We're looking for people who are here and say, 'Oh, I noticed that French restaurant, lets go check it out.'"