In a recent city council meeting, Rancho Mirage officials discussed a significant opportunity to host a live broadcast of the popular television show \"Live with Kelly and Mark\" in November. The proposal, presented by Gabe Coddy, the director of marketing, aims to showcase the Greater Palm Springs area and attract tourism to the region.
The initiative, spearheaded by Visit Greater Palm Springs, follows a successful pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to generate substantial media exposure. The show, which has a viewership of over 2.3 million, would bring an estimated $11 million in media impression value to the area, with $3 million specifically benefiting Rancho Mirage.
To facilitate this event, Visit Greater Palm Springs is prepared to invest $1 million, while the city is being asked to contribute $200,000. This funding would be sourced from existing tourism marketing budgets, ensuring that it does not add new expenditures to the city’s budget. The council members expressed strong support for the proposal, highlighting the potential economic benefits for local businesses, including hotels and restaurants.
Several hotel representatives voiced their enthusiasm, emphasizing the unique nature of this opportunity and the long-standing relationship between the show’s hosts and the community. The council is expected to make a decision soon, with the production team scheduled to visit the area for scouting in late July.
In addition to the television show proposal, the council also addressed a request to sponsor the 2025 Ramey Awards at the Ritz Carlton, marking the 70th anniversary of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. This event aims to celebrate local businesses and will also involve a reallocation of existing budget funds.
Overall, the discussions reflect a proactive approach by the city to leverage media opportunities and enhance its tourism profile, positioning Rancho Mirage as a prime destination for visitors.