Key Takeaways
- Youth and amateur sports generated $52.2 billion in travel-related spending nationally last year, outpacing spectator sports tourism’s $47.1 billion
- Arkansas outdoor recreation contributed $7.3 billion to the state economy in 2023, supporting more than 68,000 jobs
- Statewide tourism reached $17.4 billion in economic impact in 2024, with Northwest Arkansas playing a significant role
- Fayetteville has attracted interest from the Women’s Football League, Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and Marshall Islands Soccer Federation
- Purpose-built facilities like Centennial Park have enabled the city to host world-class cycling events including upcoming USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships
Youth and Amateur Sports Lead Travel Spending
Sports tourism has become one of the most consistent economic drivers in the country, and youth and amateur sports are leading the way. According to the Sports Events & Tourism Association, youth and amateur sports contributed $52.2 billion in travel-related spending last year. That figure surpasses spectator sports tourism, which generated $47.1 billion in direct spending and supported more than 665,000 jobs nationwide.
Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville, the city’s tourism marketing agency, outlined the opportunity in a recent guest commentary. He noted that while leisure and business travel have softened nationally, sports-related travel has continued to rise, providing stability that communities increasingly depend on.
Arkansas Sees Measurable Returns
The numbers in Arkansas reinforce the broader trend. Outdoor recreation alone contributed $7.3 billion to the statewide economy in 2023, supporting more than 68,000 jobs. Tourism overall reached $17.4 billion in economic impact in 2024, with Northwest Arkansas playing a major role in that growth.
For cities like Fayetteville, this translates into hotel stays, restaurant visits, retail traffic, and extended visibility for local assets. Hauck emphasized that when communities lean into their strengths, including outdoor recreation, hospitality, accessibility, and local culture, the returns are significant.
Facility Investment Attracts National Events
Fayetteville’s Centennial Park illustrates how purpose-built infrastructure can unlock sports tourism opportunities. The facility was designed to host world-class cycling events and has already welcomed the 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships. It will host the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in December 2025, with a return engagement the following year.
“These events don’t just bring athletes. They bring national attention, media coverage, and significant economic impact for our hotels and hospitality businesses,” Hauck wrote.
Beyond cycling, the city has drawn interest from the Women’s Football League, Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and Marshall Islands Soccer Federation about hosting future events.
Hauck called for continued strategic investment in purpose-built sports facilities and deeper regional partnerships. The broader takeaway for youth sports operators and municipal leaders is clear: communities that invest intentionally in sports infrastructure and programming are positioning themselves to capture a growing share of travel-related spending. With youth and amateur sports now outpacing spectator sports in economic contribution, the opportunity extends well beyond professional leagues.
via: Talk Business
photo: Sports MNGT Degrees
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