Sports Planning Guide Magazine

Our 2024 Edition - The Best Resource for Sports Tourism

Sports are again a hot ticket and to honor this industry resurgence, SPG has rolled out its finest edition yet.

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Here’s To Another Great Year!

Few things invigorate the soul like a sporting event.

Whether you’re savoring a hot dog and adult beverage at Wrigley Field or you’re cheering your youngest to glory on the soccer pitch, sports instill a joy in us that’s difficult to find elsewhere. That’s certainly true for athletes, as evidenced by a study from The Sport Journal that determined those who participated in sports prior to college reported higher levels of self-esteem and happiness.

The good vibes emanating from the sports world have also translated into big business, as the sports tourism industry is booming. According to Sports ETA, sports events and tourism comprised almost $40 billion in direct spending, $13 billion in tax revenue and a total economic impact of nearly $92 billion in the United States. This bounce back from the pandemic outpaced numerous other industry sectors, including pharmaceuticals and oil. Globally, the sports tourism market size reached $609 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of around $2.5 trillion by 2032.

The 2024 edition of this guide is proof positive of that. This year’s issue (which, I daresay is our finest SPG to date), features 13 state guides that provide an in-depth look at what each state has to offer. If you want to know the best place to host a racing event in Illinois, a basketball competition in South Carolina or an esports battle in North Carolina, we have you covered.

SPG also spotlights hundreds of destinations across the country in our industry-leading Site InSpections, which feature the most up-to-date information on venues and attractions in each location. SPG’s comprehensive stories will keep you on top of the latest trends as we examine the importance of youth sports participation, highlight how cities are repurposing or building new venues and explain the tips and tricks for managing volunteers.

Finally, we interview new Sports ETA President and CEO John David, who shares his vision about the state of the industry heading into the future. And, of course, fabled soothsayer Jon Schmieder returns with his sports industry trends for the upcoming year.

Once again, SPG sets the standard for coverage of the sports tournament industry.

Jason Paha – Chief Editor

Digital Edition Sponsored by Myrtle Beach

Nothing brings people together like sports. And no place brings people together like The Beach. In Myrtle Beach, you’ll find first-class facilities and an experienced planning team that will make sure your sporting or e-sporting event goes off without a hitch. And when the clock ticks down, the real games begin. With 60 miles of activities, over 2,000 restaurants and 14 unique communities, there is no better place to raise the trophy.

Explore Sports in Myrtle Beach

Sports Planning Guide Feature Articles

John David - Sports ETA President Sees a Bright Future

In this interview with John David, we discuss the future of sports tourism and how Sports ETA is overcomming challenges in the industry.

Event Bidding Tips From GameChangers Consulting

Event bidding in the sports tourism industry can be a complicated science, but this article has tips to help you succeed.

Understanding the Importance of Youth Sports Participation

Participation through youth sports can be a great thing for a child and this article explains the importance of participation.

Tips & Tricks for Managing Volunteers

Getting individuals to volunteer is a task all by itself, but managing all the volunteers is another job entirely. Here’s some tips and trick to managing volunteers.