WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 31, 2018) — Visit Wichita engaged The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University to conduct a study to determine the local economic impact of the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds, held in which Wichita earlier this year.

The out of town visitors brought in by the tournament generated an estimated $5.5 million in new economic activity in the area over the four-day tournament. Local tournament attendees showed their support for the event by spending an additional $3.5 million, which resulted in an estimated $6.2 million in economic activity that was retained in the area as a result of the tournament. The fiscal impact of visitors to the area for the tournament was approximately $495,000 in tax revenue generated.

“In addition to the economic impact brought to Wichita, the community received national television exposure and priceless media recognition, which showcased Wichita in a positive light on a national stage,” said Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita. “Additionally, we demonstrated our capability to host an event of this magnitude, formed a meaningful relationship with the NCAA and have positioned Wichita to host future NCAA events in 2021, 2022 and well into the future.”

In 2021, Wichita will once again be the host site for the NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds and will be a regional host site in 2022 for Division I Women’s Basketball.

“Hosting the NCAA in Wichita earlier this year was a huge win,” said Santo. “We look forward to hosting more NCAA tournament games in the future, and welcoming even more sports fans from across the country into the city.”

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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the Greater Wichita area and advocates for the city as a destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2017 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.