Sports tourism encompasses traveling for sports and events of all ages, including youth tournaments, high school contests, collegiate activities, professional sports contests, and amateur events that can extend from ages youth to senior citizen. Illinois’ vast array of sports venues, both large and small, along with robust restaurant, hotel, and shopping industries, all help contribute to the thriving sports tourism economic impact in the state.
Illinois boasts a No. 5 ranking nationally when it comes to economic impact from sports tourism. With over 1,200 sports venues and growing in Illinois, local economies will continue to benefit from this booming industry. A thriving sports tourism industry means hotel rooms are booked, restaurants are packed, and shops are filled with customers buying all forms of merchandise. With indoor and outdoor options available year-round for activities, Illinois is a top-notch destination for major events and tournaments.
Sports Illinois works in conjunction with the Illinois Office of Tourism and recruits and promotes sporting events through marketing, education, and networking operations. Their goals include attracting events that increase travel and overnight stays in Illinois while creating partnerships and increasing brand awareness. These types of positive experiences and economic impacts can lead to events becoming yearly destinations, while also leading to new ideas for future event growth opportunities.
Chicago is a world-class sports city and region, ranking in the top 15 in the world. As evidenced by the NASCAR street races held downtown over the Fourth of July weekend, Chicago welcomes a variety of sports and activities, bringing a diverse tourism crowd to the city. The Chicago Sports Commission continually supports and recruits high-profile events, which drives growing economic impact and positive reviews from the nation and world.
World-class venues in Chicago include Wrigley Field (Cubs), Rate Field (White Sox), United Center (Bulls, Blackhawks), Soldier Field (Bears), Wintrust Arena (DePaul, Sky), among many others. Downstate, Champaign boasts some incredible facilities at the University of Illinois, including State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium. The Peoria area has the Civic Center, Dozer Park, Louisville Slugger Complex, and EastSide Centre in East Peoria. Bloomington/Normal is home to the Corn Crib, Grossinger Motors Arena, and CEFCU Arena, among others. The Chicago suburbs, Moline/Rock Island, Metro East (St. Louis), Quincy, Jacksonville, and Carbondale/Marion regions are also home to outstanding facilities that attract locals and visitors year-round.
Illinois is home to some of the best golf courses in the nation, and big-time professional and amateur tournaments are hosted here on a regular basis. Medinah Country Club has hosted the Ryder Cup and men’s U.S. Open and PGA Championship, Olympia Fields has hosted a men’s U.S. Open and PGA, and TPC Deere Run in Silvis hosts a men’s PGA Tour event every summer. Cog Hill, Butler National, and Kemper Lakes have also hosted huge tournaments, among others.
Niche sports that are new to many but continue to skyrocket in popularity include pickleball, with communities across the state building new courts or converting tennis courts for pickleball to meet the rising demand. Cricket, which is one of the most popular sports in the world, is gaining steam in the Chicago suburbs. A large facility is planned in Oswego as the sport continues its surge in the Chicagoland area. As these sports continue to grow, more facilities will be built, adding to the sports tourism climate.
Multi-use facilities and large complexes that include multiple baseball/softball fields attract players and teams from across the country to facilities in Illinois, generating millions of dollars in economic impact every year. These facilities are located throughout the state and are vital to the success of businesses and economies in those areas. From youth leagues to high school state tournaments and beyond, these Illinois multi-use facilities serve as important community gathering places for kids and adults as they grow in their athletic careers.
In the ever-changing world of personal interests and what drives economies forward, sports tourism continues to grow and create high demand. A sports tourism-driven trip for a family can easily be turned into a vacation, to the benefit of other entertainment and lodging industries in that general area. Cities and metro areas in Illinois have so much to offer families and teams who embark on these multi-day trips or vacations, with sports tourism being the main driver and economic impacts felt throughout numerous industries.