Collegiate Sports

College sports participation and competition is an important element in the sports tourism mix.

Not only do Pittsburgh’s colleges and universities recruit the best athletes from around the world to compete in their respective sports, but these student-athletes also are some of the sharpest minds that go on to make a positive impact on our region.

The Impact

  • The Pittsburgh region is home to 29 colleges and universities that represent close to every national collegiate governing body and division available for sanctioned competition. From all divisions within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA®) to the (NAIA), (NJCAA) and even esports (NGB), Pittsburgh cherishes participation and competition in college sports.
  • Our local universities have created many championship-quality venues, including UPMC Events Center (Robert Morris University), Petersen Events Center & Sports Complex (University of Pittsburgh), Tippen Gymnasium (Clarion University), UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse (Duquesne University), Trees Pool (University of Pittsburgh) and the RMU Island Sports Center (Robert Morris University).
  • Between 2005 and 2026, Pittsburgh will host 35 NCAA® Championship events in the region. These events span all three divisions and National Collegiate sports.
  • Six host universities and nine competition venues have come together to contribute an estimated $42.84 million in direct spending from these events.