KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Discover Kalamazoo Sports has hosted more than 40 sports events in 2021, which resulted in $15.4 million in estimated direct visitor spending.
Officials say more than 20,000 youth, amateur, college and professional athletes competed in various sports events and tournaments held throughout the Kalamazoo area, contributing to the region’s local economy by discovering Kalamazoo through a combination of activities such as lodging, transportation, food & beverage, retail, recreation, space rental, and other business services.
Here’s a look at some of the notable events held in Kalamazoo in 2021:
USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships hosted by Kalamazoo College
- Nearly 470 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 2,880 hotel room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $1,211,397
MHSAA Individual Wrestling Finals hosted by the Michigan High School Athletic Association
- Nearly 1,000 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 590 hotel room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $704,488
U.S. Figure Skating’s National Solo Dance Finals hosted by the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association
- Nearly 300 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 528 room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $513,869
MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals hosted by the Michigan High School Athletic Association
- Nearly 900 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 615 hotel room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $458,449
“It takes a huge effort from a lot of different local organizations and partners to achieve this kind of community-wide impact,” says Brian Persky, Director of Sports Event Development.
“We’re very fortunate in Kalamazoo to have some of the country’s most well-respected sports organizations and local organizing committees,” Persky added. “It really allows us to come in and play that supportive role where we can spend our time and resources on enhancing the visitor experience outside the field of play.”
In addition, Discover Kalamazoo Sports hosted two virtual educational events as a part of the Discover Kalamazoo Sports Network.
On National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Discover Kalamazoo Sports highlighted two dynamic women in the Kalamazoo community and how they continue to break the glass ceiling as a female, parent, and leader in a male dominated industry. With over 60 registered in attendance, this event served as Discover Kalamazoo Sports’ most highly participated educational event since the creation of the Network in 2019.
Discover Kalamazoo Sports also held its first inaugural Discover Kalamazoo Sports Golf Outing on November 1, 2021, at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort. The outing served as a fundraiser and awareness builder that brought Kalamazoo’s sports community together while helping support Discover Kalamazoo’s efforts in strengthening the impact that sports event tourism has on the region.
Originally scheduled to take place in 2020, the USA Hockey Youth Tier II Boys National Championship took place at Wings Event Center, March 30 to April 4, 2022, drawing more than 1,000 athletes, coaches, and event personnel to Kalamazoo.
Last week, Wings Event Center hosted the 2022 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) National Championships.
Kalamazoo is also set to host the return of the 2022 Can-Am Softball Tournament, Latitude 42 Senior Pro Open 65+ Pickleball Tournament, Michigan Horseshoe Championship, Michigan Kubb Championship, and much more.
The USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships are also scheduled to continue for its 79th consecutive year at Kalamazoo College’s iconic Stowe Stadium, with satellite sites taking place at Western Michigan University and Loy Norrix High School.
To stay up to date on all things sports in Kalamazoo, follow Discover Kalamazoo Sports on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
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