West Michigan Sports Commission Generated $90.8 Million in 2024

The West Michigan Sports Commission says youth and amateur sports tourism generated $90.8 million in estimated economic impact for the region in 2024 through 112 events, the highest year in the organization’s history for visitor spending.

“The WMSC’s primary mission is to be an economic generator for West Michigan through sports tourism and this past year demonstrates the power of youth and amateur sports in driving the local economy,” said Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission. “It is clear through our record-breaking estimated economic impact in 2024 that sports tourism only continues to grow in significance for our region.”

It also experienced a record year for the Meijer Sports Complex at $9.3 million in estimated economic impact — up 7.4 percent year-over-year. The Meijer Sports Complex expansion project saw gains in 2024 as the WMSC raised $13 million in public and private funds toward an expansion of the venue, which broke ground in October 2024. Approximately $500,000 remains to raise to expand the complex, which will include a new championship softball field; two flexible-use diamond fields; 20 pickleball courts (including a championship court and more.

Last year, the 112 sporting events attracted 282,170 visitors and filled 49,975 hotel room nights. Hotel room nights booked increased 14.2 percent from 2023 (43,775). The Meijer State Games of Michigan celebrated 15th anniversary and returned to pre-COVID levels celebrating its 15th year in 2024 with 63 cumulative events attracting 8,085 athletes.

Since its inception in 2007, the WMSC has booked 1,328 sporting events and tournaments that attracted more than 2.4 million athletes and visitors.