Youth/Amateur Sports Tourism Generates $87.9 Million in Economic Impact for West Michigan in 2023
Youth and amateur sports tourism in West Michigan has been a major economic driver, with the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) reporting a record-breaking $87.9 million in estimated economic impact for the region in 2023. This marks the second-highest year in the organization’s history, with a 60% gain from 2019.
According to Mike Guswiler, president of the WMSC, “We closed out one of the best years in our organization’s history for growing our region’s economy through sport. Clearly, sports tourism is a key economic lever for West Michigan.”
The WMSC, founded in 2007, aims to tap into the national youth and amateur sports industry to benefit the region. One of its key goals is to generate overnight stays from event visitors, driving spending in area hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Since its inception, the WMSC has booked over 1,200 sporting events and tournaments, attracting more than 2.1 million athletes and visitors and generating over $649 million in estimated economic impact.
In 2023, events hosted by the WMSC drew nearly 278,000 athletes and visitors, filling over 43,000 hotel room nights. The economic impact reached the second-highest level in the organization’s history, showing a 60% increase from 2019. The Meijer Sports Complex and Meijer State Games of Michigan were particularly successful, with the baseball/softball season at the Meijer Sports Complex generating $8.7 million in estimated economic impact.
Looking ahead to 2024, the WMSC is focused on increasing the number of traveling athletes and visitors, bidding on more marquee events, and completing the expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex. The expansion will bring gender parity, promote inclusivity, and generate additional visitor spending.
Overall, sports tourism continues to be a significant economic driver for West Michigan, showcasing the region as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports events.
