Power of Sports Economy

Pittsburgh’s sports economy drives millions of dollars in direct spend to the region.

One of the most effective ways to inject new spending into the local economy is through hosting live sports events that attract out of town attendees, including participants, event staff and fans. These individuals support the local Pittsburgh economy when they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and visit our attractions. The effect of tens of thousands of event attendees staying in the region is immediate.

The Impact

  • One in every two visitors to a Downtown venue attends a sporting event.
  • Since 2005, the city has annually hosted Hoop Group Pitt Jam Fest, an NCAA-sanctioned event, which takes place during one of only two spring evaluation periods. The event has grown into 37 basketball courts at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, with more than 600 teams and 200 college coaches in attendance.
  • The Pittsburgh community also is a major hotbed for volleyball. Annual youth volleyball events include the East Coast Volleyball Championships (350+ teams) and the Junior Volleyball Association’s Steel City Freeze, which features more than 200 boys’ and girls’ teams.