Myrtle Beach Recognized as Leading City for Sports Events, Boosting Local Economy

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been acknowledged by the Sports Business Journal as a leading city for hosting sports events. Despite not having a team in any of the Big Five professional leagues, the city ranked 15th. This ranking is based on a six-month study of cities' ability to attract and host sports events across various levels.

Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism at Visit Myrtle Beach, appreciated the recognition. He credited it to the city's dedication to offering quality sports venues, good hospitality, and a family-friendly environment. He highlighted the city's openness to athletes, teams, fans, and families worldwide.

Sports tourism significantly contributes to Myrtle Beach's economy. In 2022, sports added $154 million to the city's economy. Recent events like the Myrtle Beach Invitational collegiate basketball tournament, the Myrtle Beach Bowl collegiate football game, and the ACL Collegiate Cornhole Championships generated nearly $7 million. These events were broadcasted on ESPN’s networks, enhancing the city's reputation as a sports hub.

Myrtle Beach has hosted various sports events recently, including a collegiate esports competition and track meets. The city plans to host more athletic events in the future. These include the Conference Carolina Track & Field Championships in April, the World’s Strongest Man competition and the Myrtle Beach Classic PGA TOUR Tournament in May.

In May, Myrtle Beach will host the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. This is the first time the city will host an official NCAA championship event. The event is anticipated to draw about 1,000 athletes nationwide, further boosting the local economy.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.