LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — For the last ten years, the Commonwealth Games have been held here in the Hill City.
Lynchburg City officials said the games have a big financial impact on the area.
On Thursday, the Commonwealth Games held a press conference at Liberty University talking about this year’s games.
It was also announced that the games will be held in Richmond starting in 2026.
Andrew Marks, with Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, says the Commonwealth Games have brought in millions of dollars to the region over the last nine years.
“We don’t have any numbers, of course, this year yet, but for the past nine years, the economic impact is just around $30.7 million,” Marks said.
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That’s money spent at hotels, restaurants, and stores during their stay here.
“Not only the hotels, but also the retail side of things, and our restaurants in the area, with retail shopping. We have seen a real big boost of people coming through the doors,” Marks said.
Marks said the city is already looking into hosting other events to capitalize on sports tourism for the city.
That includes more disc golf tournaments and flag football events, to name a few.
Some of the Commonwealth Games could still be played here in the future, even though Lynchburg will no longer be the main host.