Economic Impact
In 2025, Explore Evansville played a key role in hosting more than 80 sports events across the community, generating an estimated $23 million in direct visitor spending. These events brought athletes, families, and fans to Evansville, creating measurable economic impact for local businesses and partners.
Evansville Sports Complex Growth
The Evansville Sports Complex continued its steady growth throughout 2025. Weekly usage increased as leagues, local groups, and tournaments expanded their presence, while new bookings at Goebel added football, lacrosse, archery, and cornhole to the calendar. In total, the complex hosted 55 tournaments in 2025, with even more events already secured for 2026.
USSSA Great Lakes Nationals
For the seventh consecutive year, the USSSA Great Lakes Nationals delivered a significant boost to the local economy, welcoming more than 3,000 visitors and generating an estimated $2.1 million in economic impact. The tournament featured 130 teams from across the country, representing Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Other Major Wins in 2025
2025 included several firsts and milestone moments. Volleyball came to Old National Events Plaza for the first time, with seven courts installed and 50 teams competing in a high-energy weekend that laid the groundwork for future events. We also activated the Ohio River through the KingKat Catfishing Tournament, drawing more than 30 teams nationwide and engaging over 200 youth in a community fishing experience. On the ice, Swonder hosted the ACHA Midwest Hockey Regionals, welcoming collegiate clubs from the University of Michigan, Indiana University, North Carolina, and beyond. In addition, we supported the Sports Commission in hosting the MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament in Evansville for the first time, along with Elite Eight and other high-profile events.
A Look Ahead
Momentum continues as Evansville prepares for another strong year in 2026. The calendar is already active with major archery events at Old National Events Plaza, including the Bluegrass Open (January 16–18) and the Indiana JOAD State Indoor Championships (February 6–8). Archery remains a growing focus, highlighted by the S3DA Eastern Archery Nationals in July, expected to draw more than 500 youth competitors. Two new volleyball events will debut at Old National Events Plaza, while the Evansville Sports Complex will welcome back more than 55 youth baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments, along with several new additions. The Deaconess Aquatic Center and the Evansville Regional Sports Commission will host multiple major swimming events, including the GLVC, MVC, and OVC Swimming and Diving Championships, as well as the USA Swimming 14U Central Zone Championships. The continued growth of sports tourism positions Evansville for sustained success.
Team Indiana
Aaron King was recently appointed to the Team Indiana Grant Committee, serving from January 2026 through December 2027. The committee oversees the distribution of sports tourism grant funds that help communities attract and grow high-quality sporting events with significant economic impact. Grants of up to $20,000 per event are awarded as reimbursements, with funding provided by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and administered by Indiana Sports Corp. Award decisions are made by a statewide committee.
Sports tourism remains one of the most consistent and measurable drivers of visitor spending in Vanderburgh County. From youth tournaments to collegiate championships, these events generate hotel stays, support local restaurants and retailers, and introduce new audiences to Evansville year after year. The momentum seen in 2025 reflects intentional recruitment, strong community partnerships, and coordinated planning across venues and organizations. As facilities expand, events grow, and new opportunities emerge, sports tourism continues to deliver meaningful economic value and long-term impact for the entire community.