Charlotte: A Sports Destination?
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CHARLOTTE, NC – The NCAA Tournament is expected to bring more than 20,000 people to Charlotte this weekend and generate more than $11 million, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
It’s the latest sporting event making Charlotte a mecca for college, professional and amateur sports, drawing large crowds and lots of money to the Queen City.
“The big goal will be Super Bowl and the Olympics,” said Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes.
High hopes from one of Charlotte’s top leaders.
“I’m thinking that it’s a 10 year goal. Within 10 years we should be in a position to pursue large events like that,” said Barnes.
Charlotte is on its way.
The 2016 AAA All-Star Game is coming next July.
This summer, Charlotte will host the Mexican national team in the 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup.
In college sports, Charlotte has the Belk Bowl and the ACC Championship games at least until 2019.
We have the CIAA Tournament until 2021, which brings about $50 million each year.
Charlotte also hosts the Wells Fargo Championship and the Coca-Cola 600 is held in Concord at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“When people see Charlotte on stage and they see it work, they’re going to want to keep getting things in here,” said Nick Johnston, a South Charlotte resident.
To host world-class events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl, a city needs more than 40,000 hotel rooms–which Charlotte doesn’t have.
“We wouldn’t necessarily have to have 40,000 rooms Uptown, but if we could have 40,000 rooms within the region, I think that would help us meet that goal,” said Barnes.
