US sporting events projected to drive $537M in visitor spending

Major sporting events in the United States were projected to generate over $537 million in visitor spending this summer, according to research from Expedia Group and PredictHQ. The study analyzed 18 major basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and hockey events, which were forecast to attract more than four million attendees.

Of the total projected spending, approximately $259 million was expected for accommodation and $233 million for hospitality. New York emerged as the primary economic beneficiary; four events in the city alone were projected to attract over 3.1 million attendees and generate $304 million in spending. When including the US Open Golf Championship in Southampton, the wider region's impact rose to more than $423 million.

The US Open tennis grand slam was identified as the highest-value individual event, with 1.1 million attendees and roughly $252 million in projected spending. Other notable contributors included the US Open golf event at $120 million and the PGA Championship in Pennsylvania at $57 million.

The research also noted a “halo effect” on travel demand in areas surrounding host cities. For example, travel intent increased by 180% in Solano County, California. International interest was also significant, with notable growth in travel intent from Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Japan, while Türkiye saw the fastest growth among top markets at 505%.