Study: Charlotte sports industry has $2.1 billion economic impact

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Charlotte’s sports industry has a $2.1 billion economic impact and supports more than 23,000 jobs, according to new study.

The study, called "The Economic Impact of Sports and Sports Events on the Charlotte MSA Economy," was conducted on behalf of the Charlotte Sports Commission by John Connaughton, a professor of economics at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

The study concluded more than 4,704,000 people attended youth, professional, college team games and other sporting events during 2011 in the region.

"Where once sports were more widely thought of for recreational or entertainment value, the industry in Charlotte has now firmly established itself as a job-creating economic and tourism engine," Connaughton said.

The research for the study included data collection and analysis of attendance, total spending and employment related to sports events, video production and youth tournaments.

The Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area encompasses Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Union and Anson counties in North Carolina, and York County in South Carolina.

"This comprehensive study highlights the growth and vitality of the sports industry in Charlotte,” said Jeff Beaver, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Commission. “It showcases the variety of what we have to offer as we recruit new events, sponsors and fans to grow with us into the future."

The weeklong CIAA tournament, which had a $44.3 million economic impact in Charlotte last year, is currently under way. The women's games started Tuesday afternoon, and the men's games start at 7 p.m. Click here for a full list of CIAA events.

WSOC