Why Sports Parks Matter

Sports and recreational parks positively contribute to residents’ physical and mental well-being. Parks and sports parks have a positive impact on home and property values and help bring businesses into communities.

In addition to local usage, sports parks spur sports tourism, which has tremendous economic value. According to State of the Industry reports by Tourism Economics, at its highpoint in 2019, nearly 180 million people traveled to a U.S. sporting event and sports-related travel spending had a national economic impact of $103 billion. COVID-19 impacted the industry, but in 2021, sport-related travel in the U.S. meant nearly $92 billion in economic impact and 635,000 jobs. (State of the Industry reports by Tourism Economics 2020 and 2022).

Understanding the importance of sport to local economies, the Mobile County Commission created the Mobile Sports Authority (MSA) in 2008 to promote and attract sport. From 2012 to 2022, the MSA has attracted, hosted, managed, or co-managed 314 sporting events, which have provided an estimated $199 million economic boost for the Mobile area.

However, existing local facilities have not been enough to support local and regional demand for quality multi-use facilities. The current and growing Mobile County Sportsplex already generates positive economic impact as games, competitions, and tournaments draw crowds from across the region.

Investing in sports parks is good for everyone. As the Mobile County Sportsplex expands, so does its impact. The Mobile County Commission and Association Football Club of Mobile (AFC), in connection with various other sports-related partners, are pleased to offer area athletes and sports enthusiasts a world-class multi-sport venue that adds to local and regional capacity to support and encourage sports competitions for locals and travelers alike.