Discover Kalamazoo Sports estimates $28.5M influx from visitor spending in 2023

March 28, 2024

With more than 70 sporting events held in Kalamazoo in 2023, Discover Kalamazoo Sports has estimated $28.5 million in direct visitor spending went into the local economy.

Over 30,000 local athletes competed in sporting events in the area last year, drawing visitors to contribute to the local economy through lodging, food & beverage, retail, recreation, and other business services.

To review potential growth opportunities in sports tourism, Discover Kalamazoo contracted Conventions, Sports & Leisure to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study.

Part of the findings include a major opportunity for an indoor, tournament-ready hard-court facility that can accommodate at least eight basketball courts and 16 volleyball courts, according to Discover Kalamazoo.

USA Curling Mixed Doubles Championships, hosted by USA Curling & Kalamazoo Curling Club

  • Approximately 100 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
  • Over 200 hotel room nights realized
  • Estimated direct economic impact of $103, 518

MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals hosted by the MHSAA

  • Approximately 1,000 athletes, coaches and various event personnel
  • Over 500 hotel nights realized
  • Estimated direct impact of $699,615

MYWAY Wrestling Individual State Championship hosted by Michigan Youth Wrestling Association

  • Approximately 5,000 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
  • Over 2,000 hotel room nights realized
  • Estimated direct economic impact of $4.6 million

MAC Women’s Golf Championship hosted by Western Michigan University

  • Approximately 60 athletes, coaches and various event personnel
  • Over 100 hotel room nights realized
  • Estimated direct economic impact of $57,793

Kalamazoo is looking forward to several new and returning events in 2024, including the Ziegler Kalamazoo Marathon, the Black American Cheer Association cheer camp at Western Michigan University, the 2024 Teen CrossFit Games, and more.