SDM’s awards program, Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, always inspires us and 2024 was no exception. This year’s winners alone brought a grand total of $1,885,077,600 to their local economies. That figure is, in fact, double the economic impact of last year’s awards program. From mainstream sports to niche competitions, from events that draw in competitors not only from around the country but around the globe, to small fundraising events put on by grassroots groups – we see you. And in this issue of our magazine, we honor you.
In the sports and fitness world tennis and pickleball have been growing steadily over the last few years. In terms of overall participation for 2023, the SFIA says 23.8 million Americans played tennis and 13.6 million played pickleball, and those numbers are expected to increase. Here are some of the best facilities nationwide to host those players. more....