Explore Evansville’s 2024 Economic and Sports Tourism Impact Surpasses $42 Million
Written by Explore Evansville
Evansville, IN – February 28, 2025 – Explore Evansville marked a record year in 2024, with its sales and sports tourism efforts generating over $42 million in economic impact. By leveraging strategic partnerships, targeted outreach, and data-driven decision-making, Explore Evansville solidified the city’s reputation as a destination for large-scale events and sports tourism.
Explore Evansville played a pivotal role in attracting and hosting 103 events, welcoming 67,234 attendees from across the country. These events resulted in 48,784 total room nights booked, filling hotels and generating significant visitor spending throughout the community. Meanwhile, Evansville’s thriving sports tourism scene hosted more than 70 sporting events, contributing over $25 million in economic impact and generating more than 27,000 hotel room nights.
Notable 2024 Events:
Among the year’s most impactful events were:
Among the year’s most impactful events were:
- IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament – 3,440 room nights, $3.3M economic impact, 10,000 attendees
- Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses (two weekends) – 5,660 room nights, $2.8M economic impact, 12,000 attendees
- U.S. Figure Skating National Theater on Ice Competition – 3,168 room nights, $2.4M economic impact, 6,000 attendees
- USSSA Great Lakes Nationals – 2,880 room nights, $1M economic impact, 5,500 attendees
- Kidz Matter Conference – 1,103 room nights, $547K economic impact, 2,800 attendees
Both the IHSAA Wrestling State Finals and U.S. Figure Skating National Theater on Ice received national recognition as “Champions of Economic Impact” events.
Sports Tourism Success:
- Deaconess Sports Park hosted 1,576 teams and over 60,000 visitors, contributing $12+ million in economic impact, including new events such as the Castle Softball Invitational, Mizuno Classic, and PGF Best of the Best Invitational.
- Goebel Soccer Complex welcomed 20,000+ visitors and 320 teams which generated nearly $5.6 million in economic impact.
- Evansville Sports Complex diversified its offerings with RC boat races, USA Archery regional tournaments, and three running events.
Partnerships with the Evansville Regional Sports Commission and the University of Evansville have helped bring championships to the city, including the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Swim and Dive Championships, the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Basketball Tournament, and the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Baseball Tournament. These events highlight Evansville’s ability to host top-tier athletic competitions and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a destination for sports tourism.
