Warren County Sports Expects Record Year
01/15/2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bridget Kochersperger, Communications Manager | 513-204-7046 | bkochersperger@wccvb.org
Warren County Sports Expects Record Year
MASON, OH – January 15, 2014 – The economic impact from sports marketing in Warren County, Ohio, is expected to increase in 2014 to a record $39.1 million, according to the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB).
“Tourism is the leading industry in Warren County, and sports marketing is a large driver of tourism’s economic impact here,” said Phillip S. Smith, President & CEO of the WCCVB. “We’re pleased with this projection, especially given our dwindling supply of field space in the County.”
This year the WCCVB expects to host 100 sporting events, which should produce more than 68,000 room nights in local hotels. Last year it hosted 82 events, accounting for more than 62,000 room nights and an estimated $36 million in economic impact.
“We have some great new events coming this year, particularly the NCAA Division III Cross Country Regional and National Championships, and the Ultimate Frisbee College Championship,” said Ben Huffman, Director of Sports Marketing for the WCCVB. “We are proud to showcase our county on a national stage, and to continue to bring visitors to our area hotels and attractions.”
Lack of Field Space Still a Bottleneck to Growth
Although the WCCVB continues to grow events and economic impact, Huffman said the lack of field space in Warren County has caused the WCCVB to turn away approximately $30 million in economic impact every year.
“That $30 million number includes only those events we’ve actively rejected due to a lack of space,” Huffman said. “It doesn’t include those events that don’t bother to call us because they know we don’t have capacity.”
“Studies we’ve commissioned show a sports complex dedicated to the traveling athlete would allow us to host more events and provide as much as $54.3 million in economic impact in addition to what we’re already producing for the County’s hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other businesses,” Smith said. “These complexes are being built elsewhere and are proving to provide great economic stimulus. We don’t want Warren County left behind in this regard. We’ve been working on this project for quite some time and we look forward to making it a reality as soon as possible.”
Warren County Sports is a department of the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The department bids on and facilitates national championships and regional sporting events, with the primary goal of attracting out-of-town competitors. Since its inception in 2004, Warren County Sports has grown to become an extremely successful driver of room nights and economic impact to the local community. In 2012, Warren County Sports generated 53,000 room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $38 million.
About the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Warren County is Ohio's Largest Playground! With easy access from Interstates 71 and 75, visitors to Warren County can enjoy more activities within a 30-mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio.
The Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a professional destination marketing organization committed to economic growth by increasing overnight and year-round visitors.
Tourism is the leading industry in Warren County. The 7.8 million yearly visitors drive an economic impact of $993 million and 10,657 tourism-related jobs.