Sports pumped millions into Charlotte's economy in 2024
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Thousands gathered at Spectrum Center for the inaugural Charlotte Invitational. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Sports continue to boost Charlotte's economy, with Charlotte Sports Foundation's seven 2024 events generating $90.6 million in economic impact, per Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority data.
Why it matters: Charlotte is gearing up for several major sporting events and hoping to woo even more. While some of these events are run by different entities, they all feed into the narrative Charlotte has been chasing for years — that this is a world class city capable of attracting and hosting top-tier events.
By the numbers: In 2024, CSF events drew 211,100 fans who booked 65,300 hotel rooms. Direct visitor spending was up from $42.9 million in 2023 to $48.5 last year. College football was the major draw:
- The Duke's Mayo Classic brought in more than 72,000 fans to watch N.C. State play Tennessee and generated $26.1 million in economic impact.
- The ACC Championship between Clemson and SMU also brought in $26.1 million and more than 53,000 fans.
Catch up quick: Two new events took place in 2024: the Meck Mile and the Charlotte Invitational.
- The inaugural Meck Mile drew 1,100 participants. The event focuses on runners and walkers of all ages, and will return to American Legion Memorial Stadium on May 10.
- The Charlotte Invitational featured some of the biggest names in tennis.
What we're watching: CSF plans to host nine events this year, including a new men's college basketball event this fall. Announcements about the new event, another tennis event and the teams for the Ally Tipoff are expected later this year.
What's next: After the Meck Mile in May, the popular Savannah Bananas will play the Party Animals June 6-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Other 2025 CSF events include:
- Ally Tipoff: Elite women's college basketball teams meet at Spectrum Center. Date TBD.
- Duke's Mayo Classic: Charlotte 49ers play Appalachian State on Aug. 29 at Bank of America Stadium.
- TBA men's basketball and tennis.
- College football with the ACC Championship and the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that CSF adjusted the economic impact for 2024 to $90.6 million (from $89.7 million).