The Scottsdale City Council has approved funding for three major events intended to reinforce the city’s status as a leading destination for culture, sports, and tourism. The council allocated $21,000 for the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience, $75,000 for the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, and $225,000 to support the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four. The funding will be drawn from Scottsdale’s hotel bed tax revenue, which is earmarked for tourism-related activities designed to increase visibility and economic impact.
The Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience is scheduled to return in November at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. This event highlights Native Arizona heritage through food, art, and live performances. It has been recognized with a 2025 Arizona Travel award and will also help support the 2026 Arizona Indian Festival during Western Week.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships will take place over two days at WestWorld of Scottsdale on November 8–9. The event is known as the most attended polo event in the United States and features not only polo matches but also entertainment, fashion shows, and luxury car displays.
Judy Doyle, senior director of enterprise operations, said: “The Polo Championships are a signature example of how WestWorld delivers unique experiences that bring thousands of visitors to Scottsdale. This event not only showcases world-class competition, but it also highlights WestWorld’s role as a premier venue that fuels tourism and economic impact.”
Scottsdale will have a supporting role in hosting the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four basketball tournament. While games will be played in downtown Phoenix, officials expect that related activities will bring thousands of room nights and volunteers into Scottsdale. The city’s financial contribution is aimed at ensuring participation in national marketing campaigns and community programming tied to the tournament.
City Manager Greg Caton stated: “Events like these bring national attention to Scottsdale, create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors, and deliver millions in economic impact. Our careful investment in tourism ensures long-term returns that strengthen Scottsdale’s reputation as a world-class community.”
According to city officials, these three events are projected to attract tens of thousands of visitors each year. They are expected to fill local hotels and provide broad exposure for Scottsdale through media coverage and marketing partnerships.
