An investigation of the economic impact of small-scale sports events: The case of a medium-sized city in the Western United States

The current study was designed to bridge a sporting event typological and geographical gap by investigating evidence of the economic impact of five small-scale sports events in the Western region of the United States. Utilizing the input-output economic impact equation established by the Sports Event and Tourism Association, data was collected from participants and spectators through on-site intercept surveys. Data was analyzed using the traditional calculations for economic impact as well as offering real-time economic impact data using an sporting event intercept survey procedure. Results showed small-scale events impact the economy of their host city positively, mainly by filling hotel rooms that would otherwise have gone vacant. Results also show that real-time economic impact data may prove more reliable to future decisions of cities hosting events. Previous research on mid-sized cities hosting sporting events as well as the current research related to small-scale sporting events proves more beneficial than large-scale sporting events in large-sized cities. Given the information from the current study, local sports commissions and political figures may effectively advocate hosting small-scale events to their public using the justification of economic impact (traditional or real-time). Additionally, stakeholders of such events should consider maintaining or expanding the current inventory of small-scale events throughout the calendar year.