Why Sports Tourism Matters

Driving Visitors, Revenue, and Community Pride in Cortland County

Sports tourism is more than just games on a field - it’s a powerful economic driver that fuels our local economy, supports small businesses, and showcases Cortland County as a premier destination.

Every tournament, championship, and showcase brings visitors who spend money on lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment, and transportation, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.

The Local Impact

Visitor Spending – Sports events bring thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators to Cortland each year, generating millions in direct spending.
Overnight Stays – Multi-day tournaments boost hotel occupancy, helping keep our lodging sector strong year-round.
Expanded Reach – Visitors travel from across New York State and the Northeast, with many discovering Cortland for the first time—and returning for future vacations or events.
Youth & Amateur Sports – Events like baseball showcases, lacrosse tournaments, and state championships draw diverse audiences, from student-athletes and their families to officials, scouts, and fans.

By the Numbers

Over 50 sporting events and multi-day tournaments hosted across the county.

$11.3M estimated economic impact of sporting events in Cortland County and surrounding area. That’s an 84% increase from 2023.*

80% of event spending is done within the county.

4 New York State High School Championships, including the NFL-backed, inaugural Flag Football Championship.

*Source: New York State Department of Economic Development - Upstate New York

The Lumber Yard

The Lumber Yard’s four-turf field complex has become a Northeast hub for Prep Baseball Report tournaments, the premier scouting events in the region. These multi-day competitions attract hundreds of athletes and families from multiple states, filling hotels, restaurants, and stores throughout the county. PBR’s presence has helped establish Cortland as a go-to baseball destination, creating both immediate and long-term tourism benefits.

816 teams in 2024, with representation from 16 different states and provinces throughout the US and Canada.

A woman in a bowling alley prepares to roll a bowling ball down the lane.

Event Spotlight

EMPIRE STATE SENIOR GAMES

The Empire State Senior Games, run exclusively by the Cortland Regional Sports Council, is the only event in New York State where athletes ages 50 and over can qualify for the National Senior Games. More than just competition, the Games attract a unique audience with increased disposable income and celebrate lifelong fitness and healthy aging, proving it’s not always just about the sport. As the CRSC’s flagship event, it has been successfully hosted in Cortland since 2011 (with the exception of 2020) and continues to grow in impact. Its success has even sparked the addition of a Master’s Division for athletes ages 30–49 in select sports.

2024 registrations topped 1,550 athletes -- the largest field since CRSC took over.

Beyond Economic Impact

While the dollars and cents are impressive, sports tourism’s value to Cortland County goes far deeper than financial impact.

Strengthening Community Pride – Hosting tournaments and championships puts our community in the spotlight. Local volunteers, coaches, and residents become ambassadors, showcasing our hospitality and hometown spirit to visitors from across the region.
Driving Facility Improvements – The demand for quality venues leads to investments in our sports infrastructure, benefiting both visiting teams and local leagues. Upgraded fields, trails, and courts become lasting community assets used year-round by residents.
Building Regional Recognition – Each event hosted here strengthens Cortland County’s reputation as a go-to sports destination. That recognition spreads through word of mouth, media coverage, and repeat visits, bringing lasting visibility to our area.
Creating Memorable Experiences for Visitors – A great tournament experience often means more than the games themselves. It’s the friendly welcome at check-in, the scenic drive to the venue, the post-game meal with teammates, and the discovery of new favorite places. These positive memories turn first-time visitors into future tourists.
Inspiring the Next Generation – When young athletes in Cortland see high-level competitions in their own backyard, it fuels dreams and inspires them to aim higher in their own sports careers. It also provides opportunities for them to engage, learn, and connect with athletes from diverse backgrounds.

Where Visitors Come From

Sports tourism draws attendees from:

Across New York State
Surrounding states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
Massachusetts, and Vermont
Select national teams and clubs traveling for elite competitions

These visitors bring new spending into our community, dollars that wouldn’t be here without sports events.

Two women engaged in a pickleball match on an indoor court.

Plan Your Visit

Book lodging, find restaurants, and see what’s happening while you’re here, all in one place.

Visit Experience Cortland