Sports fans from all over the country converge on St. Louis this weekend as NCAA Tournament games tip off at Enterprise Center in Downtown St. Louis. Thousands of fans mean thousands of booked hotel rooms and restaurant reservations, and millions of dollars invested in the community.
“Economically, it’s huge. It’s always gonna be good when you have eight teams and their fanbases traveling to St. Louis,” said Tim Ryan, director of communications for the St. Louis Sports Commission. “We’re going to have a ton of fans from all over the country coming to town.”
The impact sporting events have on St. Louis goes far beyond this weekend. The St. Louis Sports Commission and its partners are actively seeking — and winning — bids for other major events. In January, the U.S. Figure Skating Championships attracted an attendance of more than 90,000 and left a positive impression on top skaters. In 2028, St. Louis will play host to Olympic soccer, when Energizer Park serves as one of only six venues across the country to host LA28 Olympic Football Tournaments. And with the Cardinals’ opening day on March 26 and the Battlehawks’ schedule kicking off March 28, all four Major League teams will contribute to the economic vitality of the region — beginning in Downtown St. Louis.
The Bottom Line:
Every successful sporting event means more opportunity to host additional events and show off St. Louis to the world. St. Louis City is working collaboratively with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Board of Alderman, and stakeholders in the business community to ensure the safety and security of everyone coming Downtown, including proactive measures that will protect youth and enhance public safety.
And with everyone contributing, this weekend too promises to deliver.
“We anticipate a packed house at Enterprise Center, and Downtown St. Louis promises to be buzzing with energy and excitement with fans from all over the country,” said Sports Commission President Marc Schreiber. “Add to that a local favorite in Mizzou getting a chance to play postseason basketball in the city that contains its largest alumni base, and it’s a recipe for a sensational week for basketball fans and the entire region.”
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