Economy Sinks Thunder On The Gulf

Alabama Economy The president Gulf Coast Powerboat Association says the decision "was extremely difficult but we believe it was the best decision under the circumstances.”

by Jamie Burch

Published: Wed, March 18, 2009 - 9:39 am CST

Blaiming the recession, the Gulf Coast Powerboat Association has cancelled this year's Thunder on the Gulf.

The annual powerboat races in Orange Beach, which have become a summer tradition for many families, were scheduled for August 13-16.

“This cancellation is disappointing news to our board members, race fans and local charities that benefited from funds generated by Thunder on the Gulf,” said John Brunick, president of the GCPA. “This decision by our board of directors was extremely difficult but we believe it was the best decision under the circumstances.”

Not having the event will be a big hit for the local economy. Last year alone, Thunder On The Gulf fans spent $1.8 million on hotel rooms and $4.2 million in tourism dollars during the four day weekend.

“We understand and support the difficult decision of the GCPA,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission joins with the GCPA to thank our loyal race fans who have supported this annual event, and we look forward to inviting them back for a bigger and better Thunder on the Gulf in 2010.”

Information about the 2010 Thunder on the Gulf races will be posted at thunderonthegulf.com, as it becomes available.

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Razorsharp Says:

Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 1:30 pm

This was actually kinda fun. I attended a few years ago, and was suprised at how entertaining it was and the amount of people attending. I am sure that this is a financial loss for the local economy.