When tens of thousands of Pokémon GO Trainers gathered in Los Angeles this past February for Pokémon GO Tour: Unova – Los Angeles 2025, the city became more than a playground for Trainers — it became proof of how digital play can drive real-world connection and economic impact.
According to a new economic impact study, the three-day event generated $102.7 million in total economic activity across Los Angeles and Pasadena, including $22.8 million in tax revenue and the equivalent of 746 full-time local jobs supported.
A Global Event with Local Benefits
Hosted at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium and surrounding Pasadena area, Pokémon GO Tour: Unova drew 48,000 attendees from around the world — with 77% traveling from outside Los Angeles and 9% visiting internationally. Each visitor spent an average of $929 in the region, with the largest contributions coming from accommodation, dining, and transportation.
For local businesses, the impact was tangible. Hotels, restaurants, and small retailers across Pasadena saw a weekend of bustling foot traffic as players explored both the event and the city’s landmarks — from the Arroyo Seco to Old Pasadena — turning gameplay into tourism. The event also contributed significantly to local employment, supporting hundreds of jobs across hospitality, retail, transportation, and event operations sectors.
In the wake of the devastating Eaton fire in January, which heavily impacted Altadena and neighboring foothill communities, Pokémon GO Tour brought people together and made a positive impact on local businesses. In addition to bringing visitors into the area, Niantic and The Pokémon Company group made contributions to relief organizations supporting impacted communities.
The Power of Play In the Real World
Since joining Scopely earlier this year, the Pokémon GO team has continued to show how play can transcend screens to strengthen communities and economies alike. The Pokémon GO Tour series — alongside Pokémon GO Fest and other live events — represents a unique intersection of technology, exploration, and belonging. It invites players to get outside, connect with one another, and contribute positively to the cities that host them.
Part of a Global Story
Los Angeles is one of several host cities featured in Pokémon GO’s 2025 global live events series. Similar studies from Pokémon GO Fest locations in Paris, Jersey City, and Osaka will be shared later this year, revealing the combined worldwide impact of Pokémon GO’s real-world events.
Together, these efforts highlight how the power of play extends far beyond entertainment.
About the Study
The Pokémon GO Tour: Unova – Los Angeles 2025 Economic Impact Study was conducted in partnership with Statista, using participant surveys and local economic modeling to assess direct, indirect, and induced effects. The findings reflect the combined impact of visitor spending, event operations, and related tourism activity across the greater Los Angeles region.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- $102.7 million total economic impact
- $22.8 million in tax revenue generated
- 746 local jobs supported
- 48,000 attendees, 77% from outside LA
- $929 average visitor spend
- 21 million Pokémon caught and an average of 25 km walked per Trainer (player)
Today Niantic announced that Pokémon GO Tour will be returning to Rose Bowl Stadium next February for the third year in a row, and we remain committed to creating experiences that inspire exploration, connection, and shared joy — proving that when we play together, everyone benefits.
Read the full Economic Impact Report here.