Hello Mayor Najarian,
Thank you again for your leadership and support in bringing the Southern California Open Chess Tournament to Glendale. The City’s $12,000 sponsorship was instrumental in covering essential venue and event costs and played a critical role in the tournament’s overall success.
As you noted in the City’s press release, “It’s events like these that reflect the spirit of our city— welcoming, competitive, and globally connected.” That sentiment proved especially true this year. The tournament drew significant attention within regional and national chess news and is now recognized as the largest chess tournament of its kind in California. The level of participation and coverage exceeded expectations and reinforced Glendale’s reputation as a hub for serious chess competition.
For 2026, we are expanding the event significantly and have secured a new venue at the Hilton Glendale to accommodate projected growth. The venue upgrade reflects both increased demand and our commitment to elevating the tournament experience. We have reserved 150 hotel room nights (approximately 50 rooms per night) at an average rate of $200 per room, directly generating an estimated $30,000 in hotel revenue within the City.
We anticipate approximately 500 players and an additional 1,200 spectators throughout the weekend.
Based on conservative estimates of $100 per day in local spending per attendee on dining, shopping, and transportation, the tournament is projected to generate substantial direct economic activity for Glendale businesses. With over 1,700 total attendees across multiple days, the cumulative local impact is expected to exceed several hundred thousand dollars in visitor spending.
Beyond the economic benefit, the tournament continues to position Glendale as a premier destination for competitive chess and as a welcoming city for families, students, and international visitors. Many attendees travel from outside the region, bringing new visibility and foot traffic to our Jewel City and strengthening Glendale’s reputation as a place to work, live, and play.
As we plan for the 2026 tournament, and in light of the expanded venue and anticipated growth, we respectfully request $18,000 in City support. The overall cost of the event exceeds $100,000, offset in part by corporate and individual sponsorships and entry fees. City partnership remains essential to ensuring the event’s continued success and growth.
As in prior years, City funding would be directed toward the elements most critical to the event’s success, including venue costs, security, community outreach and advertising, and hospitality for players and volunteers.
Thank you for your continued commitment to events that bring people together, elevate Glendale’s profile, and generate meaningful economic activity for our local businesses. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to building on this year’s momentum.
Respectfully,
Armen Ambartsoumian
American Chess Academy
David Tonoyan
Dot818, LLC