State competitions mean big boost for Wichita economy

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Holiday travel is expected ahead of Memorial Day. It could mean dollars leaving Wichita. However, bringing state competitions to Wichita State University does a lot to give the economy a lift.

Packed parking lots, filling the stands, selling out the hotels, and flooding the local restaurants.

“There’s just a buzz this weekend with all these people in our community,” said Visit Wichita PR Director Jemelle Holopirek.

Holopirek said the state events hosted at WSU bring more than 15,000 spectators from across the state of Kansas to Wichita, meaning all local businesses can see an impact.

“All those people in Wichita, they’re eating at our restaurants, shopping at our businesses, going to our attractions, and that brings so much money to our economy,” said Holopirek.

One local manager, Ruben Bowling, at Social Tap near WSU, said they will break their sing-day record today. He said they’re happy to take care of those watching the competition down the street.

“I pitched it to our staff as this is our Super Bowl, so this is the peak of our whole year right here,” said Bowling.

He said it would be all hands on deck through the holiday weekend.

“Everybody on staff is here; I’ll be here for almost 72 hours straight; it’ll be a challenge, but it will be a good time, too,” said Bowling.

Holopirek said the revenue generated this weekend gives relief to the dollars lost on those heading out of town, leaving Wichita.

“A lot of people are traveling, so they’re going to other communities and spending their money there, so we love inviting everyone across the state to Wichita, and they can enjoy all the stuff we have to offer,” said Holopirek.

Wichita State officials share that hosting these state events gives the school a big boost as well.

Holopirek said $1.5 billion is generated every year in Wichita from tourism. She added they’ll know the impact of this holiday weekend sometime next week.

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