Visit Owensboro announced today that the Kentucky 2A Championship generated an official economic impact of $1,004,589 across nine championship events hosted throughout the community in the 2025-2026 school year, including boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, volleyball, and boys and girls golf. The championships brought thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and families to Owensboro, creating direct
spending at local hotels, restaurants, retail stores, fuel providers, and small businesses throughout the city and county. The economic impact created in Owensboro by each sport during this past school year was as follows:
- – Soccer: $115,089
- – Volleyball: $120,222
- – Golf: $61,793
- – Basketball: $436,598
- – Baseball/Softball: $270,887
Visit Owensboro continues to help facilitate and coordinate the events alongside numerous local partners and facilities, including Kentucky Wesleyan College, the Owensboro Sportscenter, Owensboro High School, Brescia University, Apollo High School, Daviess County High School, and Jack C. Fisher Park.- “These events take a tremendous amount of coordination and work behind the scenes, but the return goes right back into our local economy,” said Lucas Daunhauer. “Local hotels, restaurants, gas providers, facility partners, and small businesses all benefit from these championships coming to Owensboro,” Daunhauer said the impact extends well beyond a single weekend of competition.
- “Tourism is the front door to economic development,” Daunhauer said. “These events expose Owensboro to consumers from all across Kentucky who may return later to visit again, attend school here, do business here, or potentially invest in our community.” He added that the continued growth of community attractions is helping strengthen the overall
visitor experience. - “Now with the addition of Maui’s Entertainment Complex, we have even more tools to add value for teams and their fans while encouraging visitors to extend their stay and experience more of Owensboro,” Daunhauer said.
- Chairman of Kentucky 2A Championships, Glenn Spalding, said, “Kentucky 2A appreciates our partnership with Visit Owensboro and the community of Owensboro that ensures quality venues host our events. The hospitality of the city of Owensboro has been second to none.”
- Sales Manager, Nicole Blandford, who works on behalf of the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter, added, “We are committed to enhancing the sporting landscape of Owensboro and across the state of Kentucky. With our three premier facilities, the Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro Sportscenter, and the future Bluegrass Fieldhouse. Local athletes are the heart of our community, and we are excited to showcase their talent, foster unforgettable experiences for all, and drive economic growth in our region through events such as the 2A Championships. We take great pride in creating an environment where competition, community, and opportunity come together, making Owensboro a destination for premier sporting events and lasting memories for athletes, families, and visitors alike.” Visit Owensboro officials believe the championships also provide long-term exposure for the community’s colleges, businesses, venues, and quality of life.
- “The next student at Brescia University or Kentucky Wesleyan College may first experience Owensboro through one of these events,” Daunhauer said. “People remember how a community treats them, and these championships allow us to showcase our hospitality, our facilities, and most importantly, our people.