So Many Advantages: Wisconsin’s Sports Tourism Opportunities

Wisconsin has scored what its governor has termed a “hat trick” of record highs in economic impact for tourism, number of visitors and revenue generated by tourism. Consider this:
 

• The tourism industry generated  $25.8 billion in total economic impact, or about $70 million per day, surpassing the previous record of $25 billion set in 2023, which itself was a record year.
   
• Wisconsin also welcomed 114.4 million visitors in 2024, a 1.4 million increase from the previous year and eclipsed the former record of 113.2 million visitors in 2019.
   
• The state’s tourism industry generated a record amount of state and local revenue, generating $1.7 billion that goes back to local communities and essential state services.

And when you consider those numbers, it’s easy to see how sports tourism has factored in: The Badger State has plenty of facilities to host just about any tournament, meet or competition, plus unexpected opportunities for sightseeing when the games are done. 

Here are some key points to consider: 
 

So Many Great Destinations, All In One State: Wisconsin has it all. The team at Sports Wisconsin is eager to showcase the opportunities that await event owners in its destinations that include areas like Chippewa Falls, Lake Winnebago, Green Bay, La Crosse, Fox Cities/Greater Appleton Area, Janesville, Madison, Racine, Stevens Point, Beloit, Eau Claire, Kenosha, Middleton, Oshkosh, Waukesha Pewaukee, Waupaca Chain O’Lakes, Wausau/Central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Rapids and so, so many more. (Click here for the full list and explore what these great communities have to offer!)
 

So Many Excellent Venues: Whether an event plays out on a court, on a course, in a pool, on a field, on a track, on a lake or anywhere else, Wisconsin can provide a great home base. There are even aspects of the state that event owners might not know about, like roadways with stunning vistas for bicycle races or running events, multiple tracks for motorsports, outdoor venues for grass volleyball and challenging terrain for obstacle races.
 

In short, Wisconsin has venues for any sport and Sports Wisconsin is ready to help event owners get the ball rolling, get their engines racing or get their wheels turning. And it’s easy to reach out: Event owners can click here or call 608-266-8773 to get connected and match their needs with The Badger State’s destinations.
 

So Many Ways to Get to Wisconsin: Getting to the heartland is easy, accessible and affordable – and Wisconsin is ready to welcome visitors to its incredible network of airports. Want to drive? That's a great option too! With so many destinations and venues, plus excellent highway infrastructure, athletes and their families will find plenty of road trip opportunities on the way to and from events.
 

So Many Seasons to Play: Wisconsin has winter sports down cold, from skiing to curling to ice skating to ice fishing, with venues to host all of these. It also has opportunities for warm weather sports, from baseball to softball and from triathlons to trail races. Adaptive sports have a home here too, with accessible venues that welcome all athletes.
 

So Many Things to Do After the Games Are Done: Families traveling to Wisconsin are encouraged to make time for post-game entertainment. From the waterparks of Wisconsin Dells to the  State Capitol in Madison, fun is always just around the corner in a variety of forms for any visitor. Exploring museums, taking in a pro or college game, investigating state parks, visiting cheese factories, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, learning and playing – all the opportunities are here in The Badger State.
 

So Many Places to Stay: Wisconsin has accommodations at all levels, from luxury to budget and from resorts to campgrounds. The team at Sports Wisconsin can help event owners leverage all the information they need to plan a memorable event, start to finish.
 

So Many Ways to Win: Sports events are not always calculated in terms of points won, baskets made or games completed. They are the sum of parts like memories made, time spent and discoveries found. Sports Wisconsin and all its amazing destinations make it possible for visitors to arrive to a warm, Midwestern welcome and leave with a strong desire to return.
 

So Many Ways to Deliver the Unexpected: Wisconsin has been delivering the unexpected since its earliest days, when native tribes delighted in its swift, sparkling streams, bright blue skies and starry nights, and later, when settlers discovered its beautiful pastureland and stunning vistas. It’s still delivering today, as visitors compete, explore and make lasting memories.
 

The Badger State Awaits. Reach out to Sports Wisconsin today by clicking here or calling 608-266-8773. You’ll feel the welcome and you’ll wonder why you didn’t find us sooner.