Youth and amateur sports generated more than $194.6 million in economic impact in Maryland last fiscal year, according to a new report from Maryland’s Sports Commission.

The FY18 report shows significant growth for sports tourism in Maryland in recent years. The impact total is a 6.3% growth over the previous year, with FY17 events generating $181.4 million in the state, and FY16 generating $176.5 million, respectively.

The top five sports making an impact in Maryland include lacrosse, running, soccer, basketball, and triathlons. Some of the largest events enhancing our state’s quality of life and economy include the Preakness Stakes, SAC Columbia Invitational, Military Bowl, and Across the Bay 10k.

"Maryland Sports and our TEAM Maryland partners continue to set a high standard for economic and event delivery for Maryland,” said Terry Hasseltine, executive director of Maryland's Sports Commission, and vice president of the Maryland Stadium Authority. “Currently, we are on pace to exceed last year’s mark by approximately 2% in direct spending thanks to our new Youth and Amateur Sports Grant program. The future is definitely bright for the industry here in Maryland."

The number of events hosted in Maryland has also increased over time. While 348 events took place last fiscal year, only 324 events occurred in FY17, and 317 events the previous year. Several events also signed agreements to be extended into FY19 and beyond, including IRONMAN Maryland.

According to Hasseltine, the commission’s FY19 program has already received 32 grand applications for 40 different events, which could generate more than $50 million in economic impact in Maryland.

Maryland’s Sports Commission, a division of the Maryland Stadium Authority, works to enhance the state’s economy, image, and quality of life through the attraction, promotion, retention, and development of regional, national, and international sporting events. The organization also started a statewide initiative called TEAM Maryland, which works to deliver and recruit events across the state with help from regional partners, including Cecil County, Washington County, Worcester County, Prince George’s County, and more.

Learn more on marylandsports.us.