It was a good year for hosting sporting events in Detroit – and the result for the economy was even better.
The Detroit Sports Commission’s annual report highlighted a historic year for the city, as it generated more than $195 million in direct visitor spending and raised more than $1.5 million to support community programs in the Metro Detroit area. The DSC is a not-for-profit charitable organization and a subsidiary of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB). The numbers from the report don’t include visitor spending from professional and amateur teams based in Detroit, so teams including the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, and others aren’t a part of these figures.
Throughout the year, the DSC hosted 35 amateur sporting events across Metro Detroit, drawing more than 18,000 participants and 850,000 spectators.
Key highlights from the Report include the historic 2024 NFL Draft, which brought a record-setting 775,000 attendees to downtown Detroit and contributed $161.3 million from visitors coming to southeast Michigan.
Other notable events detailed in the report include:
- 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional: Held at Little Caesars Arena, the two-day event attracted more than 37,000 fans and generated $8.3 million in visitor spending as Purdue advanced to its first Final Four since 1980.
- Amateur Sports Events: Huntington Place hosted two major AAU Volleyball tournaments, each featuring over 80 courts and drawing 13,000 participants, while metro Detroit reinforced its reputation as a bowling hub by hosting three national youth tournaments with 3,500 participants.
- Summer Highlights: The region’s robust infrastructure and world-class facilities provided an ideal backdrop for marquee events, including the USA BMX Stars & Stripes National, the St. Croix Bassmaster Open, the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, and the Cairns Cup.
Additionally, DSC’s efforts in 2024 supported minority-owned businesses through a comprehensive strategy launched alongside the NFL Draft. This initiative connected more than 250 local minority-owned businesses with contracting and professional development opportunities, resulting in over $12.1 million in investments.
“2024 was a milestone year for the Detroit Sports Commission, not only in terms of direct visitor spending but also through meaningful community engagement and youth initiatives,” said DSC Executive Director Dave Beachnau.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to showcasing Detroit as a premier destination for sporting events that drive growth and create lasting benefits for the community.”
“This year, we were able to renew our commitment to the Detroit community in an impactful and lasting way,” said DSC Deputy Director Marty Dobek. “This would not have been possible without collaboration from our local civic, corporate, and philanthropic partners who energized our mission and ensured our initiatives supported causes that are important to our community.”
Through its Community Engagement Program and the Living Legacy Initiative, DSC raised more than $1.5 million in support of youth literacy, active play programs, and increased opportunities for girls’ participation in sports, fostering a lasting impact on the next generation.
The Annual Report also previews future marquee events secured in 2024, including:
- The 2028 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena, marking the event’s Detroit debut from March 1–5, 2028.
- The 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regional, returning to Little Caesars Arena on March 24 and 26, 2028.
For more information on the Detroit Sports Commission or to read the full 2024 Annual Report visit detroitsports.org.