GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— The non-profit West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC), which hosts youth and amateur sports events, reported that youth/amateur sports tourism generated $90.8 million in estimated economic impact for the region in 2024 through 112 events. That’s a 65 percent gain from 2019 and the highest year yet for visitor spending.
“The WMSC’s primary mission is to be an economic generator for West Michigan through sports tourism, and this past year demonstrates the power of youth and amateur sports in driving the local economy,” says Mike Guswiler, president of the WMSC. “It is clear through our record-breaking estimated economic impact in 2024 that sports tourism only continues to grow in significance for our region.”
Since its inception in 2007, the WMSC has booked 1,328 sporting events and tournaments, which attracted more than 2.4 million athletes and visitors and generated over $738 million in estimated economic impact.
Last year, the Meijer Sports Complex also experienced a record year with the highest-ever estimated economic impact. The 2024 baseball/softball season was the strongest year yet, with an estimated economic impact of $9.3 million from hosting 20 tournaments and 31,194 athletes/spectators who booked 4,822 hotel nights, with most weekends full.
The WMSC raised $13 million in public and private funds toward the $13.5 million “Winning Streak” capital campaign to improve and expand the Meijer Sports Complex, breaking ground in October 2024. The expansion will be the focal point of 2025. Approximately $500,000 remains to raise to expand the complex, which will generate an estimated additional $1 million in annual visitor spending through 200 more teams that can be accommodated.
