Economic impact of sports tourism on rise in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD, Va. –Sports tourism is a major moneymaker for Chesterfield County.

In fact, there was a 46 percent increase in the economic impact from the many athletic events held in the county during the fiscal year that ended June 30, Richmond Sports Backers Executive Director Jon Lugbill said Wednesday during a briefing with the county’s Board of Supervisors.

Sporting events, ranging from soccer and lacrosse tournaments to mud runs, attracted 60,884 out-of-town visitors and were attended by 116,135 people.

All told, sports tourism had an economic impact of $20.3 million in Chesterfield. Despite the increase, Lugbill cautioned county leaders not to expect it each year. Read more