Bianchi: Luring Jaguars to Orlando would be big for fans and sports tourism
Since the Raiders arrived in 2020, Allegiant Stadium in Vegas has become a magnet for massive events, including the Super Bowl and the College Football National Championship Game (in 2027). UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research did a research study in 2023 and found sports tourism generated $1.845 billion in economic activity from out-of-town visitors during the 2022 fiscal year alone.
USA Today cited the study last year when writing a story about how Las Vegas, which used to simply be known as the gambling capital of America, is now billing itself as the “Sports Capital of the World.”
Wrote USA Today:
“UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research found the city’s major sports teams have boosted the economy by drawing in more visitors and creating ‘new valuable jobs’ in sports education and other sports-related sectors. While it’s not necessarily helping diversify Nevada’s tourism-dependent economy, UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research director Andrew Woods said it has helped develop that sector.
“It’s clear to us that it’s been good for the economy,” Woods said. “We are still dependent on leisure and hospitality’s success, but (sports) continues to make leisure and hospitality successful.”