Driving Growth: How Sports Tourism Boosted Onslow County’s Economy This Year

Whether it’s the echo of a basketball hitting the backboard, the clatter of disc golf baskets, or the cheering crowds at a boxing match, sports bring incredible energy to Onslow County. But beyond the thrill of competition, sports tourism serves as a vital engine for our local economy.

In our latest Annual Report, the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is proud to share the numbers behind that impact and how every event held here benefits our entire community.

By the Numbers: Our Annual Impact

This past year, our combined sports tourism efforts delivered significant results across Onslow County:

$3,173,413 in Total Economic Impact (all tracked sporting events)

12,382 Hotel Room Nights Generated (all tracked sporting events)

13 Sporting Events Supported (JOSC)

15 Sporting Events Owned & Operated (JOSC)

5 Bid Events (JOSC)

These figures represent more than just statistics on a page—they reflect thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and spectators traveling to Onslow County, staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, and supporting local businesses.

What Exactly Is "Economic Impact"?

When we talk about economic impact, we are measuring the new dollars entering our local economy from outside visitors.

When an athlete travels to Jacksonville or Onslow County for a weekend tournament, they spend money on:

• Lodging: Hotel rooms or vacation rentals

• Dining: Local restaurants, food trucks, and grocery stores.

• Retail & Gas: Fueling up, shopping and buying gear or souvenirs.

• Entertainment: Enjoying our local parks, beaches, and attractions.

To calculate our $3.17 million total, we use a standard industry formula that evaluates attendee numbers, length of stay, direct travel spending, and room night generation. This number is made up of various events that happen throughout the year and is not just limited to ones that the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission are involved in.