News Release
Oct. 31, 2024
Springfield Sports Commission
Contact: Lance Kettering, Executive Director
Email: Lance@springfieldmo.org 417-881-5300
The Springfield Sports Commission Secures 17 Events – Estimating an Economic Impact of Over $10 Million.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Sports Commission is excited to announce 17 events coming to Springfield through partnerships with five major sports organizations, expected to generate over $10 million in positive economic impact for the local community over the next seven years.
“We have secured an exciting lineup of sporting events for Springfield,” said Springfield Sports Commission Executive Director Lance Kettering. “Our team has worked tirelessly to bring these premier competitions to our city, including NXTPRO Basketball, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Track and Field, USA BMX, Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Softball, and Rise Productions Youth Cheer and Dance. The four-year commitment for USA BMX at Wilson Logistics Arena especially highlights Springfield as a growing hub for top-tier sports events, and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans alike.”
The overall estimated economic impact for each event is calculated via the Destination International Economic Impact Calculator and past event history.
“Bringing in sporting events is a significant driver of local economic growth for Springfield,” said Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mark Hecquet. “These events not only fill our hotels and restaurants, they also support local businesses and help create a need for jobs, ultimately producing a major positive impact on the city’s economy.”
First-time events to Springfield include AAU Track and Field and Rise Productions Youth Cheer and Dance.
Returning events to the area include NXTPRO Basketball, which previously hosted a high school-level competition and is now set to bring a middle school event to Springfield, and USA BMX, which, following the success of its inaugural event in 2024, has signed a four-year commitment.
Additionally, the Springfield Sports Commission has proudly renewed its long-standing partnership with MSHSAA Softball, an ongoing collaboration since 2010.
“We truly value our relationship with MSHSAA and are excited to continue hosting their championships,” said Director of Sports Business Development Stan Adams. “The MSHSAA State Softball Championships have been a highlight for Springfield since 2010, and we’re thrilled to keep that tradition going. With the addition of turf to Killian Softball Stadium, this event will be even better, offering an enhanced experience for both the players and fans.”
About the Springfield Sports Commission
The Springfield Sports Commission seeks to enhance the quality of life and stimulate positive economic growth for the greater Springfield community by promoting and developing the area as a venue for quality amateur, collegiate and professional sporting events.
About the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Springfield and Greene, Christian and Polk counties in southwest Missouri. The bureau focuses on growing the local economy by creating marketing initiatives that encourage leisure tourism and group business, including conventions, meetings and sporting events.