Will Lakewood Benefit Directly From The 2015 U.S. Open?

It's a question that Lakewood leaders have been asking since news that Chambers Bay Golf Course would host the 2015 U.S. Open first broke.

How will their city benefit directly from the golf tournament?

Now, it's something they'll be asking even more, as Pierce County is indicating that surrounding cities such as Lakewood could be asked to help the tournament run smoothly.

During a U.S. Open presentation at last week's Lakewood City Council meeting, officials discussed the possibility of local governments contributing to the 2015 tournament.

That contribution could come in the form of, say, donating police services, hinted Deputy Executive Director Kevin Phelps.

But Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson questioned whether it was worth it to cities other than the host city - University Place.

The reasoning is UP, where Chambers Bay is located, would directly benefit from admission and other taxes that other cities won't, he said.

"Whether it's short-term or long-term, it's very tough to justify contributing our police force," he said.

Pierce County expects some 235,000 visitors for the 2015 U.S. Open. They are expected to stay in Tacoma, or even more likely Seattle an hour north. Fans will shuttle to the golf course from places such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord, watch the golf and shuttle back to their hotels.

But University Place will benefit directly from merchandise sales, food stands or any other U.S. Open-related amenity that could generate sales tax dollars.

Lakewood, for the most part, would be left out.

Phelps stressed how the 2015 U.S. Open will benefit the entire region unlike anything it has experienced.

He added that the USGA - the organization that conducts the U.S. Open - has already reserved virtually every hotel room in Lakewood during the tournament for staff.

"I would like to think that the U.S. Open will put the South Sound on the map," he said.

The News Tribune had a story about this today.

So we ask you, Patch users, the same question we asked last year and one that will be asking heading into, and possibly after, the 2015 U.S. Open: Will Lakewood benefit directly from the 2015 U.S. Open? Is it worth what they could be asked to contribute?

Tell us in the comments below.