ERIE, Pa.—The Erie Sports Commission had its 10th annual Sports Tourism Awards Dinner, an event to recognize the efforts of those who had an impact on Erie County sports tourism, at the Erie Sheraton Bayfront Hotel on Feb. 5. More than 100 event rights holders, venue directors, elected officials, community leaders, and their guests, were in attendance.
In 2024, Erie Sports Commission generated $22.5 million in estimated economic impact by hosting and supporting 83 events over 127 days.
Barber Beast on the Bay received the Locally Managed Event of the Year Award after accomplishing record-breaking registration with more than 1,300 participants from 23 states and Canada.
The PA State USBC Open Championships received the Impact Award presented by VisitErie President and CEO John Oliver. The year’s longest-running tournament spanned 10 weeks, from April to June. It drew in more than 3,800 participants and generated an estimated $2 million in economic impact.
Jim Waters, owner of the Erie Otters, was honored with the Ron Sertz Dedication to Erie Award, which was accepted by Otters VP and general manager, Dave Brown. After purchasing the team in 2015, Waters led the Otters to their second OHL championship in 2017 and left a legacy as a dedicated supporter of Erie’s hockey community before passing away unexpectedly in December.
The Midwest GAA (Adult Irish Sports) was selected as the New Event of the Year. Kregg and Katie Heenan, who organized the sold-out Erie Cancer Wellness Center Duathlon, were honored as Volunteers of the Year by Erie Sports Commission Events and marketing manager Sydney Dietz. County Executive Brenton Davis presented the Event Series of the Year Award to the World Ninja League Regional Qualifiers, hosted at Sinai Sports. Ben Huggler, event services director of the Erie Sports Commission, presented the much-anticipated National Event of the Year Award to Major League Fishing.
