WOODTV: Organizers: Hosting amateur, youth sports generated $88M for West Michigan in 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hosting youth and amateur sporting events generated nearly $88 million for West Michigan’s economy in 2023, the West Michigan Sports Commission says.

The estimated $87.9 million came from 121 sporting events, which drew almost 278,000 athletes and visitors to the area, according to a Monday release from WMSC. The commission, which dates back to 2007, says it’s the second highest economic impact it has seen so far — second only to 2022, which generated an estimated $90.5 million for the region.