As Pennsylvania continues to serve as the epicenter of some of the nation’s biggest sporting events of the year, the Hershey Harrisburg region is celebrating its contributions to the state’s recent recognition as one of the nation’s leading sports tourism destinations. The Sports ETA 2026 State of the Industry Report ranked Pennsylvania fourth in the nation for both participatory and spectator sports economic impact. Participatory sporting events include youth and amateur tournaments, races, etc., while spectator sports include attendees of professional, minor league, and collegiate sporting events.

As the official sports tourism promotion division of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority plays a critical role in attracting and supporting national championships, youth tournaments, emerging sports competitions, and more to contribute to Pennsylvania’s growing sports tourism economy.

“Our role is to identify event opportunities, submit competitive bids, secure venue partnerships, and provide support services that help organizers choose our region over competing destinations across the country,” said Danielle Vincenti, Director of Business Development for the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority and Chair of PA Sports. “Through PA Sports, we work with other organizations throughout the state to maximize our resources and effectiveness in positioning Pennsylvania as a premier sports destination. Many people see the final event and the crowds it brings, but what they don’t always see is the years of relationship-building, planning, and collaboration required to earn the opportunity to host it.”

Over the years, the Hershey Harrisburg region has hosted an impressive lineup of national and regional sporting events that have generated millions of dollars in economic impact while introducing thousands of visitors from across the country to local attractions. The region has welcomed events such as:

• U.S. Figure Skating Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championship

• National Gymnastics Association Eastern Regional Zone Championships

• National Intercollegiate Running Club Association Cross Country National Championships

• U.S. Junior Nationals Basketball Hershey Showcase

• National Association of Collegiate eSports

• PIAA State Championships

• State Games of America

• Big 26 Baseball Classic

• Multiple national cheerleading and dance competitions

The momentum continues this summer as the region prepares to welcome thousands of athletes from more than 40 states and 20 countries for the world’s largest multi-event Ninja competition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center on July 11-16.

The growth of sports tourism is reflected in visitor trends across Pennsylvania. According to Longwoods International research conducted for Visit PA, 21 percent of overnight visitors to Pennsylvania included a sporting event as part of their trip, up from 15 percent the previous year. 14 percent of day trip visitors included a sporting event in their itinerary, up from 13 percent the previous year.

“Pennsylvania’s ranking demonstrates the impact that strategic investment, destination partnerships, and world class venues and attractions can have on local communities,” said Sharon Myers, President & CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg. “Every event we host generates spending at local businesses and hotel stays, supports jobs, and showcases our destination to new audiences to encourage repeat visitation.”

“We are proud to contribute to the Commonwealth’s sports tourism success and remain committed to bringing impactful events to the Hershey Harrisburg region,” said Myers.

For more information on the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, visit http://www.hhsportsandevents.com.