The organizer of the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing said the annual event is canceled for this year as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.
The nine-day event, originally slated to begin Aug. 1 in Huntington Beach, is a major draw for both visitors and marketers with its mix of surf, skate and BMX competitions; art exhibitions; pop-up retail; and movie premieres.
Visitors who attended the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing spent $49.5 million in Huntington Beach in 2018, according to data from Visit Huntingon Beach. The total spend increases to $55.3 million when also taking into account spending from athletes and other participants, sponsors and the event organizer.
The 2018 Vans U.S. Open of Surfing drew about 375,000 to the event with about 68% from outside Huntington Beach.
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