Economic Boost: Sports Industry Fueling Growth in Hamilton County

WESTFIELD — The sports industry is playing a growing role in Hamilton County's economy and community identity, with events like youth tournaments and professional games drawing millions of visitors each year.

“It truly has changed the game in Hamilton County,” said Westfield Economic Development Director Janele Fairman. “Most of the land that Grand Park is currently situated on was farmland. And this was really a very small town,” she said. “As a result, we’re really seeing a boom of investment along State Road 32, along 191st Street and everything in between.”

According to Carl Daniels with the Hamilton County Sports Authority, sports tourism has made a significant financial impact on the county. Last year, it brought about $42 million in economic impact, and this year, it's already reached $39 million, not including LIV Golf numbers.

“Last year that sport brought about $42 million economic impact on the county, and this year, still a quarter to go, we’re at about $39 million, and that doesn’t include the numbers from LIV Golf,” Daniels said.

Fishers is also seeing the benefits of sports investment with its new event center, designed to give families easy access to entertainment. Mayor Scott Fadness explained, “It’s Saturday night. I’ve got the kids, don’t have anything to do. Let’s jump over to the arena and go watch a hockey game, or let’s go watch the women's Ignite team play.”

“I mean, just to be able to do that in 10 minutes and then go to the event and be home in 10 minutes. That’s a big deal,” Fadness said.

Noblesville is planning a new arena to host the Pacers’ G League affiliate and other events. Mayor Chris Jensen emphasized the impact visiting sports fans have on the local economy: “They are putting our heads in beds in our hotels. They're shopping in our downtown square. They're eating in our restaurants. And it's a good opportunity for Hamilton County's economic base.”

"They are putting our heads in beds in our hotels. They're shopping in our downtown square. They're eating in our restaurants. And it's a good opportunity for Hamilton County's economic base."

Westfield Economic Development Director Janele Fairman said instead of competing, these projects have worked together to expand opportunities across the county: “I would have expected that if you had a competitor to Grand Park come into the market, that it would hurt Grand Park,” she said. “What is happening is actually the inverse of that, as they’re building these new event centers and arenas, we now have opportunities to have those signature events.”

“I think we have a lot of young families. They work hard. They want to play hard. They want proximity," Fadness added.

The push for sports has brought the community together, according to Carl Daniels: “We want people to be proud of Hamilton County first and foremost, and we love the fact that sports brings people together,” he said.