College sporting events in the Charlotte Region created an economic impact of nearly $95 million in 2021, according to the Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF). The impact was measured by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and released last week.
In 2021, the Charlotte Region hosted the Duke’s Mayo Classic ($48.8 million), the Duke’s Mayo Bowl ($13.76 million), the Subway ACC Football Championship ($22.7 million) and the ACC Baseball Championship ($9.5 million).
“We are very proud of the Charlotte Sports Foundation’s work in 2021 and the impact it had on Charlotte,” Executive Director Danny Morrison said. “We have an incredible staff, passionate board of directors and are supported by partners that are focused on hosting first-class events. It is a wonderful combination that has us excited for the possibilities of what’s to come in 2022.”
Collectively these games had 271,831 fans in attendance, generated 113,994 hotel room night stays, and created $52.29 million in direct visitor spending, all of which had a positive impact for a hospitality industry that is still being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The effect these events have on Charlotte goes beyond economic impact numbers,” Board of Directors Co-Chair Johnny Harris said. “With each fan that attends the events hosted by the Charlotte Sports Foundation, we are supporting the hospitality industry, raising the national profile of our city, and creating lasting memories.”
“Youth, amateur and collegiate sporting events are critically important to the health and vitality of the region’s $7.8 billion visitor economy,” CRVA Chief Executive Officer Tom Murray said. “The CRVA continues to support the recruitment and hosting of these strategic events because they help introduce visitors to the Charlotte Region, consistently produce sizable economic impact, and position us to successfully pursue other opportunities in the future.”
CSF is poised to build on the success of 2021 with an increased slate of events including new ventures into collegiate basketball and baseball, the President’s Cup, as well as legacy events that include the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Classic and Subway ACC Football Championship Game.
“2021 was an amazing year for the Charlotte Sports Foundation and its partners,” Board of Directors Co-Chair Andrea Smith said. “We look forward to the continued growth of the Foundation with the HBCU Duke’s Mayo Classic featuring NC A&T and NC Central, the addition of the high-profile men’s and women’s Jumpman Invitational, and other events that will positively impact the people of Charlotte.”
