SportsBR says it supported 60 athletic events that had a combined economic impact of nearly $36 million in the Capital Region last year. And while that’s down from the roughly $38.2 million generated by the 53 events SportsBR supported the year previous, 2016 marked a record year for the foundation.
The organization released the figures this morning as part of its 2017 annual report. The report provides an overview of the sports events that took place in Baton Rouge over the course of the past year and their impact on the region.
The annual report—which does not include details about SportsBR’s financial position or its role in any of the events highlighted—also lists upcoming sports events in the Capital Region.
Marathons, national competitions, and tournaments brought 50,785 competitors and 145,576 travelers to Baton Rouge last year, which was significantly more than the 40,688 competitors and 117,303 people who traveled to the area in 2016.
The Capital City hosted a number of high-profile events, including the 6th annual Louisiana Marathon, LHSAA State Track & Field Championships, Baton Rouge Soccer Club’s Red Stick Recreational Tournament and USSSA Baseball among others.
The 6th Louisiana Marathon was the biggest sports event to take place in the region, generating an estimated economic impact of $5.3 million. Â
Rounding out the top three Baton Rouge sports events of 2017 according to their estimated economic impact are BR Soccer Club ($2.7 million) and USSSA Baseball ($2.1 million). Â SportsBR, which until a rebrand last year was known as the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, estimates that events it has supported since 2013 have generated an estimated economic impact of $171 million.
