For Immediate Release

August 29, 2012

For further information contact:
Jeff Stoke - (804) 722-8600
e-mail: jstoke@princegeorgeva.org

SPORTS TOURISM IMPACT IN PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY AT

$2.4 MILLION AND GROWING

PRINCE GEORGE, VA – Tourism in Prince George County, Virginia is a $64 million dollar a year industry according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). Even during a severe recession, total tourism revenues have recently grown 10.5% in the Tri-Cities Area. The "Virginia is for Lovers" campaign continues to be successful and brings more visitors to our region.

A new niche market to Prince George County is the sports tourism industry. In October 2011, the Board of Supervisors allocated $140,000 of tourism funds to enhance the existing ball fields with irrigation systems, scoreboards, batting cages, dugout covers and infield surfacing. County modeling estimates the 2012 summer sports tourism impact at $2.4 million. This growing industry will continue into the fall season with the following baseball tournaments planned:

September 1 & 2 Kevin Ferguson Memorial Scholarship Tournament

September 29 & 30 Fall Odd Age Group State Tournament

October 6 & 7 Fall Even Age Group State Tournament

November 3 & 4 Fall Wood Bat Odd Age Group Tournament

November 10 & 11 Fall Wood Bat Even Age Group Tournament

These tournaments bring in consumer dollars from families and spectators traveling from all over the East Coast. Economic impacts can be felt by hotels, restaurants and retailers whose activity increases during these baseball weekends. Percy C. Ashcraft, Prince George County Administrator, stated, "The sports tourism industry continues to flourish in our community. With each investment made, the community sees a viable financial return. We will continue to encourage this type of economic growth."

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