Surges in Sports Tourism and Overnight Stays Could be the Economic Shot in the Arm Municipalities Want and Need
Today, Wisemen announced plans to conduct a feasibility study for a planned amateur sports arena. Company officials, having supported youth development sports programs believe communities need dedicated “mini-arenas” to help amateur sports programs organize better and the key is “sports tourism.” Wisemen believes surges in tourism and overnight stays associated with sporting tournaments, races, and other events on a unified property will be the formula for success for cities across America.
According to the Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the sports tourism sector’s direct spending impact of $39.7 billion generated a total economic impact of $91.8 billion, supporting 635,000 full and part-time jobs and generated $12.9 billion in taxes. The sports tourism sector spent money to sustain operations, payroll, marketing, and general and administrative costs. Additionally, sports travelers that attended a tournament, race, or other event as a participant or spectator spent money at the event and at off-site establishments during their stay, e.g., local restaurants, hotels, retailers, and recreation/entertainment venues.
CEO Eric Brown has asked the Office of Success Strategy to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and based on the results design a site and explore parcels that could support a mixed-use sports facility with ice hockey, basketball, baseball, pickleball, and more. If feasible, the project will be titled, “EXE Sports” a name created by the CEO’s oldest son as a result of his love for electronic gaming.
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