Major sports weekend expected to bring 15,000 visitors and nearly $2 million in economic impact to Bartholomew County

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Four major sporting events will bring more than 15,000 athletes and spectators to Columbus and Bartholomew County October 2–4. Together, the tournaments are expected to generate nearly $2 million in economic impact as visiting teams and families spend money at local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.

“This is one of our busiest sports weekends of the year, and its impact reaches far beyond the competition venues,” said Misty Weisensteiner, executive director of Visit Columbus. “Every team that travels here brings people who eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels and discover more of our community. That spending supports local businesses.”

The weekend’s events include:

  • War of the Roses Midwest Nationals at Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark. The 10th annual all-girls team dual wrestling tournament is capped at 128 teams and is expected to bring approximately 2,500 athletes from 17 states and 5,700 spectators. Competition includes K–8 and high school divisions.
  • Columbus Community Cup at Richard Wigh Soccer Complex. Hosted by Columbus Express Soccer Club, the youth soccer tournament is expected to feature approximately 100 teams, 1,000 athletes and 2,300 spectators.
  • NSA 35 & Over World Series at Lincoln Park. The adult softball tournament is expected to bring 64 teams from 7 states, approximately 700 participants and 1,000 spectators.
  • Ohio Valley Sports USSSA Fall Brawl at CERAland Park on Sunday, October 4. The youth baseball tournament is expected to feature 62 teams, approximately 800 athletes and more than 1,800 spectators.

With competition taking place across the county, residents and businesses can expect a busy weekend around sports venues and throughout Columbus. Visit Columbus encourages the community to welcome the visiting athletes, coaches and families who make sports tourism an important part of the local visitor economy.

Event participation figures were provided by tournament and sports organizers. Spectator attendance and economic impact estimates were calculated using the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator. Final figures may vary based on actual participation and visitation.


Contact:
Erin Hawkins, Director of Partnerships and Communications
ehawkins@columbus.in.us
(812) 371-7879