Charleston Scores With Sports Tournaments, Field Improvements
Sports tourism is big business and continues to grow in the capital city.
Sponsored by: City of Charleston
You could say that Charleston, WV, is on a winning streak.
The city has recently turfed athletic fields, brought in new tournaments and attracted international sporting events.
And the game’s just started.
“Sports tourism is big business in our state and our capital city – supporting jobs and being a driving force in our economy,” says Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “Through local investments, robust partnerships, strong support from our sports communities and a collective commitment to making Charleston the premier city for competitive sports in the state and region – we are positioning our capital city to attract top-tier, revenue-generating events and the associated economic impact.”
Examples of Charleston’s increased focus on sports tourism include an international table tennis tournament that brought in young people from 21 countries, hosting the Official Strongman Games and adding new turf at GoMart Ballpark – part of an $8 million investment to turf 10 athletic fields – which allows the venue to host concerts and other events outside of baseball season.
Tim Brady, President & CEO, Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, says the reasons Charleston is a popular destination for sports tourism are due, in part, to the city’s affordability, convenient location and first-rate facilities.
“We offer affordable hotel rates compared to other cities of similar size,” Brady explains. “We’re a short drive from major metro areas like Charlotte, Cleveland, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Columbus. And with facilities like the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, UC Stadium at Laidley Field and Shawnee Sports Complex, we can host everything from football to volleyball, pickleball to soccer, or competitive dance to track and field.”
Charleston is committed to create the needed infrastructure to capitalize on the growing sports tourism industry, develop new facilities and bring in even more international competition, resulting in a significant economic boost for the city.
“Building upon the momentum we have already achieved and investing in sports tourism – we have the opportunity to bring more people to our area, grow our local economy and support our local businesses,” Mayor Shuler Goodwin concludes.
