The AUSL, a new professional softball league, concluded its inaugural season at Wichita State University’s Wilkins Stadium, drawing nearly sold-out crowds and providing an economic boost to Wichita. Two-thirds of the 24 games had nearly sold-out audiences, contributing to the city’s economic growth. In January, Wichita ranked 43rd among the best-performing cities in terms of economic growth.
Hosting sporting events like the AUSL games helps highlight what the town has to offer, according to Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Research Director Bekah Shelby-Leach. Events that draw people from outside the area bring new spending into the city, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses.
The pro softball league’s success in Wichita largely depended on attracting visitors from outside the city. AUSL Manager of Softball Operations Sam Fischer noted the enthusiasm for the sport and the positive impact it has on host cities. With the turnout seen in Wichita, many are eager for the league to return next year.
— News Original —
Pro softball league brings near-sold-out crowds, economic boost to Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The AUSL, a new professional softball league, had its final game of its inaugural season at Wichita State University’s Wilkins Stadium, wrapping up a successful run in a town that embraces the sport. While in Wichita, the games were a hit, nearly selling out the stadium and providing an economic boost.
Two-thirds of the 24 games that’ve been played in the AUSL have had nearly sold-out crowds, including at the home of Wichita State’s softball team. In January, in terms of economic growth, Wichita ranked 43rd among the best-performing cities.
Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Research Director Bekah Shelby-Leach, said hosting sporting events like the AUSL games will help the city’s continued growth.
“Placemaking Wichita as a potential location for people wanting to live and have a family,” she said. “These types of sporting events can really highlight what our town has to offer,” Leach said.
The pro softball league’s success in Wichita was largely on the back of drawing in more people from outside of the city.
“If an event draws in more people from outside of the area into the Wichita area, then that’s new spending that wouldn’t otherwise be there,” Leach said. “Those people are going to come and stay in our hotels, they’ll come and go to restaurants, they’ll stay for multiple days.”
As professional softball continues to grow as a sport, it could be beneficial to the league and the city to stay in Wichita for future seasons.
“People are just wanting it and are hungry for it and so I know that bringing something like this into these different places, it can only mean more for us and it can only mean more for the locations that we’re going to,” said AUSL Manager of Softball Operations Sam Fischer.
With the turnout the AUSL has seen in Wichita, the league has many wanting them back next year.
“The people coming out and supporting us and being excited to have us back to the point where they’re like, ‘Hey, when are we going to see you next?’” Fischer said.
— news from KWCH