New and returning high-profile events, new initiatives and increased commitment made 2024 a banner year for the Hamilton County Sports Authority (HCSA). From pickleball to archery to new facilities for professional sports, 2024 was another year of growth in the area and the Hamilton County Sports Authority is poised for more in 2025.
At a recent summit held in Fishers, the HCSA reported $42.3 million in local economic impact to the area as it supported 37 events and 152 days of competition in the county. HCSA efforts helped drive nearly 74,000 hotel nights across five local communities, and the local tourism team project those numbers to increase for 2025. Six new events and counting are already on the books for 2025 and local economic impact is expected to increase to $45 million.
2024’s New Events
A professional and collegiate pickleball event came to Hamilton County in 2024, drawing 138 players and national TV coverage. Championship golf returned once again as the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference hosted its championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield. Another new event, the USA Wrestling Women’s National Duals, brought teams representing 36 states to Grand Park in Westfield with the event projected to double in size in 2025.
The world’s most decorated archer, 24-time world medalist Brady Ellison, headlined the USA Archery Field Nationals and U.S. Team Trials at Koteewi Archery Range in Noblesville. On the hardwood, more than 100 college basketball coaches came to evaluate players who came in for the Pangos Terrific & Nike EYBL events.
Looking To 2025 And Beyond
Growth in 2025 and beyond will center around new facilities that are coming online or have recently opened. In recent weeks, the Fishers Event Center opened its doors for the first time. The new arena will host professional hockey, volleyball and indoor football, large entertainment acts and more. Just two interstate exits to the north, a new arena will be opening in Noblesville that will host the Pacers G League franchise.
Pro golf tour LIV Golf recently announced it will host a tournament at Chatham Hills in August 2025 and the USGA Senior Open will come to Hamilton County’s Crooked Stick Golf Club in 2028. New opportunities in FIFA soccer and esports are also on tap for the future.
Off The Field
The HCSA also made strides in 2024 with new initiatives in sustainability and with Officially Human, an advocacy group for the treatment and retention of sports officials. The HCSA also has increased resources behind marketing, branding and staff to further showcase Hamilton County as a winning destination.
To learn more about hosting a successful event in Hamilton County, visit our webpage at HamiltonCountySports.com. Follow HCSA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up to date on Hamilton County’s wins and see Where Champions Play!
