Project Background
What are the Components of a Regional Center?As sports tourism is a competitive business, Minnesota must compete with other states in order to attract out-of-state sports visitors. First, regional sports centers must possess sports facilities that are high quality and have a significant size. A soccer family will not likely travel 200 miles to a two field complex. Second, families are attracted to good hotels and restaurants. These amenities compliment a good sport tournament. Third, access to shopping and other tourism attractions add value to the sports destination. Finally, the regional sports center must have a sports commission in place to de
velop and market events.How is Sport Tourism Generated?
All sports are not created equal in their ability to be part of a sports tourism strategy. In Minnesota there are over 100 sports played. However, 10% of the sports represent 80% of the participation numbers. Therefore, regional centers need to focus on the sports with the greatest populations and that have the greatest propensity to travel. In short, team sports such as soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball and wrestling generate the most tourism economic impact. For more information, visit http://www.marshall-mn.org/.
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