Partners in Tourism: Sports

In 2023 alone, sports tournaments and events in the Fox Cities generated an estimated $10.2 million in direct visitor spending

This massive economic impact to hotels, restaurants, retailers, and other businesses in the community would not be possible without the groups and individuals that partner with the Fox Cities CVB to host their events. From youth tournaments to state championships, the stories below are a testament to a few of the many groups that have done their part in helping the CVB use sporting events to power the local economy.

Wisconsin Foosball Organization

The 2024 Wisconsin State Foosball Championships marked the sixth consecutive year that the event has been held at Mad Apple Billiards & Burgers in Appleton. The Championships have shown steady growth in attendance and prestige each year since moving to Appleton in 2019. In 2024, the event drew more than 250 participants and accounted for 245 tracked hotel room nights - generating an estimated $101,920 in direct visitor spending.

This year's event, held on March 21-24, awarded a record $16,000 in cash prizes. Players from many states and multiple countries traveled to Appleton to compete in both singles and doubles events. Men, women, and children of all skill levels are eligible to compete in the Championships. The event also received significant media coverage on a number of outlets during the tournament weekend.

The Championships are held in partnership with International Foosball Promotions and are a stop on the Foosball Pro Tour. The event is led by Tournament Director Brett Nooyen of the Wisconsin Foosball Organization.

Wisconsin Sports Services

2024 marked the second consecutive year that Wisconsin Sports Services hosted the Badgerland Basketball Championships for 4th-7th Grade Girls at the Community First Champion Center in Grand Chute. The event grew from 66 teams in 2023 to 86 teams on March 16-17, 2024. The 2023 event led to an estimated $101,088 in direct visitor spending and the 2024 event grew to an estimated $193,024 in direct visitor spending. Teams from throughout the state have traveled to participate in the tournament and enjoy their time in the Fox Cities. Moving forward, the Badgerland Championships will expand to two weekends at the Champion Center in March of 2025.

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