“We’re in our 19th year of promoting this destination as an economic engine through sports tourism, and it’s grown every year.”
President of the West Michigan Sports Commission Mike Guswiler says the nonprofit helped generate $85.3 million for the region in 2025 hosting 105 events. Sporting event visitors requiring overnight stays drive hotel and restaurant spending that also benefit retail and service industries.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan also finished strong with a 17.1 percent year-over-year increase in economic impact.
“Typically, we’re seeing families travel in the summertime when kids are out of school and it’s just a great destination to come to.”
WMSC is expanding the Meijer Sports Complex near Rockford this spring, with 20 weekend travel tournaments scheduled in 2026. It also hosts the second annual Hartford Nationals in July, the largest U.S. sports competition for youth and adults with disabilities.
“We’re excited to build on what we did in hosting them last year. I think we hit record numbers.”
The WMSC will also bid on Amway Stadium events when it opens in 2027.
You can read the full report here.
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