The Russell Athletic / NAIA Football National Championship created over $1.5 million in the local economy, the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) announced Tuesday.
GRCVB officials estimate that over 2,700 out-of-town visitors were in Rome throughout weekend to see Carroll College trump the University of Sioux Falls 10-7.
“It was almost a sell-out this year – the stands were packed,” said Rachel Rogers, NAIA Championship Week Coordinator and director of athletic development at Shorter University. “It was great to have the local support join in this effort.”
The game and related events filled approximately 2,800 hotel room nights in Rome from Wednesday, Dec. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 18.
Teams were housed in the Holiday Inn Express and the Country Inn and Suites. Fans and officials were spread throughout the county’s other accommodations.
“During the winter months, the hospitality industry is particularly slow. Any event with this significant impact is great news for our local hospitality industry during these months,” said Ann Hortman, sports marketing and event coordinator of the GRCVB.
“NAIA was great for Rome. Fans were constantly in our restaurant all week and several catering orders helped us tremendously,” said Patrick Vanderhorn, manager of Harvest Moon.
The final estimated economic impact of $1.65 million takes into account all the typical spending of a sporting event tourist: accommodation, transportation, food& beverage, shopping, entertainment, souvenirs, catering and event attendance.
“We base our estimates on average spending habits provided to us by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and then account for local particularities,” said Chris Cannon, director of communication of the GRCVB.
In addition to direct spending benefiting businesses, the local and state governments will gain an estimated $107,000 in sales tax revenue.
“We are very pleased with the lasting economic results of the NAIA championship in our community and that will continue as tourists return to Rome again and again. Even more, the national television coverage is enhancing our image and prestige to make Rome a recognizable name in hosting sporting events,” said Lisa Smith, executive director of the GRCVB.
Rome will host the NAIA Football National Championship through 2015.
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About the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the Destination Marketing Organization serving Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. Founded in 1975, the GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development. The GRCVB operates the Rome / Floyd County Visitor Center and Last Stop Gift Shop located at 402 Civic Center Drive. The center and gift shop is open Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Georgia’s Rome features many attractions of interest including Berry College, Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum, Chieftains Museum, the Rome Area History Museum, Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Rome Braves baseball, numerous Civil War sites and a charming Victorian downtown. Rome is also the site of the NAIA Football National Championship as well as numerous tournaments and annual events.
For information on Georgia’s Rome and Floyd County, contact the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-295-5576 or 800-444-1834. Or visit online at www.romegeorgia.org.