Colorado Springs reached an exciting milestone with the inaugural release of the Pikes Peak Sports Economy Report, the region’s first comprehensive analysis of how sports shape local jobs, tourism, venues and community investment. The event, hosted at the stunning East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy, brought together business leaders, sports professionals, educators, and community partners for a morning of networking, data insights, and dynamic conversation.
Produced in partnership by the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest, and the University Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) College of Business, this new annual report fills a critical gap in understanding the true economic impact of sports in the Pikes Peak region.
This report helps tell the story we’ve all felt for years - that sports are not just part of our community culture, they’re a significant economic engine,” said Dirk Hobbs, Founder & Publisher of Colorado Media Group and emcee of the morning program. “Today marks the beginning of a shared effort to measure, understand, and strengthen the business of sports in Southern Colorado.
The inaugural report highlights the breadth and depth of the Pikes Peak region’s sports ecosystem, which includes Olympic and Paralympic organizations, military athletics, collegiate programs, major events, youth leagues, outdoor recreation, and a rapidly growing sports tourism sector.
Key themes emphasized during the event included:
• The need for modern multi-use sports complexes
• The role of sports in workforce retention and community identity
• The value of consistent, credible data collection
• Growing opportunities for collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors
“This isn’t just a one-day conversation,” said Megan Leatham, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. “This report creates a foundation for long-term planning, investment, and innovation. The demand is here, the momentum is here, and now we have the data to support the future we’re building.”
“The UCCS College of Business is excited to support the sports community in Colorado Springs by demonstrating the significant value sport brings to our local economy,” said Dr. Tommy Aicher, Dean of the College of Business at UCCS. “Sports touch nearly every part of our regional economic landscape, from tourism and events to workforce development and local business growth. By collecting and analyzing this data, we’re giving Colorado Springs a powerful tool to understand where we are today and where we can go next. This report is just the beginning, and we look forward to deepening the data and analysis each year to strengthen the economic vitality of our region and further elevate the role of sport in Colorado Springs.”
A Community Effort
The event was made possible through the generous support of partners including FOX21, Weidner Apartment Homes, The Gazette, Pepsi, and Air Force Academy Athletics. More than a dozen staff and volunteers from Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, University Colorado Colorado Springs, and Colorado Media Group supported the morning program, ensuring a smooth experience for more than 230 guests.
What’s Next . . .
The Pikes Peak Sports Economy Report will be an annual event as the organizers plan to expand the report in future years, deepen data collection, and continue building a shared understanding of how sports contribute to the vibrancy and economic strength of the region.
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