The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) announced today the estimated economic impact of its 2021 events as $94.76 million according to research conducted by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). These events include both Duke’s Mayo Classic games ($48.8 million), the Duke’s Mayo Bowl ($13.76 million), the Subway ACC Football Championship ($22.7 million) and the ACC Baseball Championship ($9.5 million).
Collectively these games had 271,831 fans in attendance, generated 113,994 hotel room night stays, and created $52.29 million in direct visitor spending, all of which had a positive impact for a hospitality industry that is still being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The effect these events have on Charlotte goes beyond economic impact numbers,” said Co-Chair of CSF’s Board of Directors, Johnny Harris. “With each fan that attends the events hosted by the Charlotte Sports Foundation we are supporting the hospitality industry, raising the national profile of our city and creating lasting memories.”
“We are very proud of the Charlotte Sports Foundation’s work in 2021 and the impact it had on Charlotte,” said CSF’s Executive Director, Danny Morrison. “We have an incredible staff, passionate Board of Directors and are supported by partners that are focused on hosting first-class events. It is a wonderful combination that has us excited for the possibilities of what’s to come in 2022.”
“Youth, amateur and collegiate sporting events are critically important to the health and vitality of the region’s $7.8 billion visitor economy. The CRVA continues to support the recruitment and hosting of these strategic events because they help introduce visitors to the Charlotte region, consistently produce sizable economic impact, and position us to successfully pursue other opportunities in the future,” said Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the CRVA.
CSF is poised to build on the 2021 with an increased slate of events including new ventures into collegiate basketball and baseball, the President’s Cup, as well as, legacy events that include the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Classic and Subway ACC Football Championship Game.
“2021 was an amazing year for the Charlotte Sports Foundation and its partners,” said Co-Chair of CSF’s Board of Directors, Andrea Smith. “We look forward to the continued growth of the Foundation with the HBCU Duke’s Mayo Classic featuring NC A&T and NC Central, the addition of the high-profile men’s and women’s Jumpman Invitational and other events that will positively impact the people of Charlotte.”