Greenville to host its biggest sports event: Economic impact estimated at $70 million

Greenville is on track to experience the largest event it's ever hosted.

The event is also expected to have an economic impact of over $70 million.

From March to July 2028, the 2028 U.S. Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championships will take place at the Greenville Convention Center, attracting 55,000 bowlers. The event will require 60,000 room nights from area lodging establishments.

“Their visitor spending will support not only jobs,” said Heath Dillard, president and CEO of Visit Greenville. “It will support local small businesses, and they’ll leave behind taxes that our community reinvests in things like affordable housing, parks, greenways, public safety, arts and culture, and otherwise generate a more positive quality of life for our local residents.”

The following partners will be presenting the 2028 Open Championship: VisitGreenvilleSC, the city of Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism, Greenville Convention Center and USBC.

Here's what to know about the tournament.

USBC tournament will have great economic impact

The tournament will be larger than sports events held in Greenville in the past, according to a news release . Last year, the SEC's Women's Basketball Tournament had an economic impact of roughly $16 million over the span of five days. In five months, the USBC will raise four times that amount for local businesses.

“We always need to remember that tourism is a major source of revenue that gets reinvested in the community,” stated City Councilor Dorothy Dowe. “I think it really shows our ability to step up for the bigger events and pull together all our different partners in the community.”

Greenville Convention Center to undergo changes for event

Sixty bowling lanes and necessary equipment will be constructed at the Greenville Convention Center for the tournament, creating 80 to 100 new jobs.

According to the convention's general manager Matt Hollander, dedicated staff and security personnel will be hired, along with housekeeping, parking, and operational support. Food and beverage teams will also be enhanced to provide event services.

Where have USBC Championships been hosted in the past?

Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, are regular hosts of the USBC Championships, but past host cities include El Paso, Texas (2015), Syracuse, New York (2018), and Baton Rouge, Louisiana (2025).

The tournament will take place in Reno and Las Vegas in 2026 and 2027, respectively. It will return to Greenville in 2028.

Sports events previously hosted by Greenville

Greenville has previously hosted the NCAA among other national sports events. In 2022, it hosted the Bassmaster’s Classic fishing event. The city has also put on festivals such as the Bank of America Fall for Greenville.

The women's SEC will be held in Greenville in 2025, as well as the first and second rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in 2026 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

In the future, Dillard hopes to host preseason NBA or NHL events while hosting more college athletic events.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville to host its biggest sports event: Economic impact estimated at $70 million