ATLANTA, Ga.- LakePoint Sports has added a new line-up of initiatives, partnerships, media, and more to fuel momentum as the travel and youth sports industry and sports participation are experiencing rapid growth.
According to the 2024 Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA) Annual Report, the sports tourism sector reached a staggering $52.2 billion in direct spending in 2023, with a total economic impact of $128 billion. “Sports Tourism is a massive industry, growing exponentially, impacting local communities and state economies,” says John David, president and CEO of Sports ETA. The industry supports over 750,000 jobs and contributes $20.1 billion in taxes, highlighting its vital role in the economy.
A significant increase in sports participation can be attributed to some of the industry growth. According to the 2024 Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Annual Topline Participation Report, in 2023, there was participation growth across major sports categories, including baseball, up 7.6 percent; basketball, up 5.6 percent; cheerleading, up 8.3 percent; football at 7v7 up 9.1 percent; gymnastics up 4.1percent; lacrosse up 5.5 percent; outdoor soccer up 8.1 percent; and court volleyball up 13.4 percent.
LakePoint Sports led off 2024 with a plethora of new initiatives focused on elevating the guest experience inside and outside the lines. At The Baseball Village, all eight state-of-the-art baseball fields were re-turfed by Geo Surfaces, 120,000 square feet of hardwood was re-furbished at the Champions Center, as well as new additions coming to the recently re-turfed three-filed multi-purpose field complex, which will feature a new naming rights partner.
“I promise you, there is never a dull moment on the LakePoint Sports campus,” says Josh Laney, co-team lead, guest experience. “Everyday the LakePoint Team is focused on delivering excellence in the guest experience, by sport, event and venue.”
While the travel and youth sports industry continues to surge through the first half of 2024, LakePoint Sports momentum accelerates. With a full slate of Champions Weekends, National Championships, Live Period events, LakePoint Live broadcasts, and a multitude of brand activations and real estate construction abound, exciting times and opportunities remain at the forefront for LakePoint Sports for the back half of 2024. To learn more about the growth and momentum at LakePoint Sports, click here.
