Cincinnati Sports Commission: Getting in the Game on Luring NCAA and Other Sporting Events

Cincinnati is making moves to get in the game when it comes to landing big sporting events. The city has long been overlooked for major events like the Super Bowl and Final Four, but a new sports commission is set to change that.

The revived sports commission will be tasked with marketing Cincinnati’s facilities and infrastructure to sports leagues and organizations, with the goal of bringing in mid-sized and smaller events that can draw thousands of new visitors and boost the tourism economy. Corporate sponsorships will also play a crucial role in securing these events.

One potential target for the sports commission is the Big 12 Conference baseball tournament, which could potentially be lured to Great American Ball Park. Other possibilities include hosting a Division I women’s volleyball regional at Heritage Bank Center or landing the Horizon League basketball tournament, currently held in Indianapolis.

Additionally, there is potential for Heritage Bank Center to become a neutral-site host for college basketball games or for Paycor Stadium to host early season college football games. With the sports commission working year-round to make these events happen, Cincinnati is poised to become a more attractive destination for sports events.

While the city may not be able to compete with larger cities for events like the Super Bowl, the sports commission’s focus on smaller and mid-sized events could help Cincinnati establish itself as a competitive player in the sports tourism industry. With the right leadership and creative thinking, the city has the potential to become a major player in the sports event hosting game.