Economic Impact & Visitor Spending
Since 2002, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission has bid on and brought more than 200 new sporting events to Columbus that have generated an estimated $200 million in visitor spending.* GCSC also works to retain annual bid events that have generated an additional $160 million in visitor spending. Leading revenue producers include:
| Event | Year | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| NSA Girls Fast Pitch Softball World Series |
2006, 2008 | $15 million per year |
| NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Second and third rounds |
2004, 2007, 2012 | $10 million per year |
| Ohio Valley Region/USA Volleyball Junior Regional |
Annual | $8 million per year |
| OHSAA Boys Basketball State tournament |
Annual | $6 million per year |
| OHSAA Wrestling State tournament |
Annual | $5 million per year |
| NAGAA Gay Softball World Series National tournament |
2010 | $5 million |
| NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First and second rounds |
2004, 2009, 2011 | $4 million per event |
| NHL Entry Draft | 2007 | $3 million |
Where the Money Goes
Here is where the estimated $200 million† in new visitor spending generated since the Greater Columbus Sports Commission was created was spent (not including the annual events):
- Restaurants/Food: $64 million (32%)
- Retail/Other: $46 million (23%)
- Transportation: $38 million (19%)
- Recreation: $32 million (16%)
- Lodging: $20 million (10%)
*Based on research formulas provided by Longwoods International.