Sports tourism is making a major impact, generating $39.7 billion in direct spending, supporting over 635,000 jobs, and contributing $12.9 billion in tax revenue in 2021 alone, according to Sports ETA’s State of the Industry Report. As this sector continues to thrive, the focus is shifting toward sustainable growth—balancing environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
For destination marketers and event organizers, adopting sustainable practices isn’t just ethical—it’s a strategic move that enhances destination appeal, boosts community benefits, and drives long-term economic success. This white paper dives into actionable ways to integrate sustainability into sports tourism, creating memorable events while securing lasting value for communities.
Key Takeaways from the White Paper:
Triple Bottom Line: Sustainability means balancing environmental, social, and economic goals for impactful sports events.
Going Green: Focus on wast...
The Nominating Committee is accepting applications for seven (7) open positions on the Sports ETA Board of Directors, including:
Executive Committee – Secretary/Treasurer
Four (4) Directors representing the Destination category
(3-year terms expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Industry Partner category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Rights Holder category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
Apply Now!
Key Dates to Remember
*Subject to change
Monday, December 16: Nomination Portal Opens
Sunday, February 16 @ 11:59 PM PST: Nomination Portal Closes
February 17 – 21: Review Applications & Schedule Interviews
February 24 – March 7: Interviews Take Place
Friday, March 14: Slate Finalized
Tuesday, March 25: Proposed Slate Presented to the Board of Dire...
CINCINNATI (January 6, 2025) – Sports ETA, the official trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today a new partnership with Rico Solutions, a leader in sustainability solutions for events, to provide a suite of educational offerings for the membership of Sports ETA.
This initiative between Sports ETA and Rico Solutions launched at Sports ETA’s 4S Summit hosted in Chattanooga, Tennessee and will continue throughout 2025. Richmond Region Tourism will also partner as the sponsor of the educational courses focused on sustainability strategies that will be available through the Sports Tourism Learning Institute.
“One of our primary objectives is to discover and offer innovations in the sports events and tourism industry, and sustainability is a critical area for us to share best practices,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Together with Rico Solutions, we will unveil a number of educational offerin...
The sports events tourism industry is expanding rapidly, with destinations competing to host events of all sizes. While traditional metrics like visitor spending and hotel occupancy remain essential, earned media offers a powerful, untapped opportunity to measure the broader impact of sports events.
Key Takeaways:
Earned Media Value (EMV): Represents unpaid, organic publicity from media coverage, influencer mentions, and social sharing—capturing the intangible impact of media impressions.
Sports ETA Earned Media Calculator: Provides a groundbreaking tool to quantify EMV, enabling destinations and Rights Holders to measure and report media awareness and overall impact effectively.
Broader Event Value: EMV highlights the significance of events beyond overnight stays, showcasing audience reach, brand visibility, and media exposure.
Enhanced RFPs: Including EMV in event proposals helps Rights Holders present a comprehensive and compelling case for their event’s e...
The newest edition of the Sports ETA Playbook is out now! Take a break and check it out.
Download your copy here, and remember to share it with a colleague.
Welcome to the December edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re diving into what makes the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a shining example of how vision and execution can elevate a destination. Stick around for the “Key Difference Maker”—a critical insight that could transform your facility’s future.
The Top of the Hill
Rock Hill seamlessly combines the amenities of a large city with the simplicity and ease of small-town life. Located just 20 minutes south of Charlotte, NC, on the I-77 corridor, Rock Hill has leveraged its strategic location to develop some of the most impressive sporting facilities in the region.
The City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism division spearheads its sport and tourism efforts with a clear mission: to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors through leisure, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
Innovation at The...
The NCAA is currently soliciting bids for the 2026 and 2027 Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) semifinal and final games.
The WBIT is an annual postseason tournament, owned and funded by the NCAA, which features 32 Division I women’s basketball teams. Preliminary rounds, including the first, second, and quarterfinal rounds, are held at campus sites. The semifinals and finals are held at a pre-determined neutral site.
Bid specifications and supporting documents can be found HERE. The bid portal is currently live and will remain open until 5:00 PM ET, January 31, 2025. If you are interested in hosting both years, please submit a bid for each year.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss further, please reach out to Jessie Carmack (jcarmack@ncaa.org).
Cincinnati, OH – December 9 – Sports ETA proudly announces Christina Velasquez as the organization’s new Director of Education & Research. Christina brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic vision to the role, which focuses on enhancing the professional development of Sports ETA members through innovative educational programs and groundbreaking research initiatives.
As Director of Education & Research, Christina will oversee the development and delivery of educational content, certification programs, and industry research. She will lead initiatives such as the Sports Tourism Learning Institute (STLI), the Sports Tourism Research Institute (STRI), the Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) certification program, and the creation of cutting-edge resources that empower members with insights into industry trends and best practices.
Christina joins Sports ETA with nearly a decade of experience in professional education and research roles. She previously ...
Next week on Monday, December 16, the Nominating Committee will be accepting applications for seven (7) open positions on the Sports ETA Board of Directors, including:
Executive Committee – Secretary/Treasurer
Four (4) Directors representing the Destination category
(3-year terms expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Industry Partner category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Rights Holder category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
Key Dates to Remember
*Subject to change
Monday, December 16: Nomination Portal Opens
Sunday, February 16 @ 11:59 PM PST: Nomination Portal Closes
February 17 – 21: Review Applications & Schedule Interviews
February 24 – March 7: Interviews Take Place
Friday, March 14: Slate Finalized
Tuesday, March 25: Proposed Slate Prese...
Welcome to the November edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we turn our spotlight to the Roebbelen Center in Placer Valley, California—a groundbreaking project that reimagines the potential of sports facilities on the West Coast. This facility is a trailblazer, transforming the decades-old Placer County Fairgrounds into a world-class multipurpose event campus that has become a national model for tourism and sports event innovation.
Make sure to read to the end—our Key Difference Maker could inspire new strategies to elevate your facility's success!
A Place Where Champions Are Made
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, Placer Valley has emerged as a hub for premier sports events, hosting some of the largest youth, amateur, and professional competitions in the western United States. With top-tier facilities, tournament-friendly hotels, and easy access via Interstate 80,...