SAVANNAH, Ga.—The Savannah Sports Council announced that the Nike Savannah Showdown volleyball tournament generated more than $9 million in economic impact for the Savannah/Chatham County area in February.
The tournament, described as the largest nonqualifying volleyball event in Georgia, was hosted by the Savannah Sports Council and the Savannah Convention Center from Feb. 14-16. Organizers reported total attendance of 15,085 from 11 states and an overall economic impact of $9,120,777.
Visitor spending extended across lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, and recreation, supporting local businesses and their employees, according to the council.
“The Nike Savannah Showdown has been a strong demand driver for the local tourism economy for many, many years, and comes at a time of the year that truly gives businesses throughout the area a boost to start the year,” says Joseph Marinelli, president and CEO of the Savannah Sports Council and Visit Savannah.
Of the estimated $9.1 million in economic activity, approximately $679,269 was generated in local sales and hotel tax revenue, largely from out-of-town visitors. Those funds support local services and infrastructure and help offset the tax burden for residents, organizers say.
The council says recruiting sporting events during traditionally slower months helps stabilize hotel demand and occupancy while providing economic stimulus during off-peak periods. According to the organization, events such as the Nike Savannah Showdown deliver concentrated, measurable impact that supports the hospitality industry year-round.
Economic impact estimates were calculated using the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator, an industry-standard methodology for events of similar scale.
