Springfield secures events with $3M impact over 3 years

Springfield tourism groups have secured three years of wrestling championship events that are expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy.

Championship events from Missouri USA Wrestling are planned 2024-26 in Springfield at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds' Wilson Logistics Arena, according to a news release. Missouri USA Wrestling, which is affiliated with the USA Wrestling national governing body, is based in the southwest Missouri city of Diamond, near Joplin. 

The events in Springfield, which include rookie, freestyle and Greco-Roman bouts, are expected to bring a $3 million economic impact over the three-year period.  

“We look forward to welcoming the Missouri USA Wrestling events to Springfield,” said Mark Hecquet, president and CEO of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc., in the release. “Having sporting events in Springfield benefits local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, attractions and retailers. It also helps keep the economy strong and creates jobs; 22,000 people in Greene County work in the hospitality industry.”  

The CVB collaborated with the Springfield Sports Commission and Ozark Empire Fairgrounds to bring the events to town.

The first in Springfield will be held January-May in 2024, according to the release. Championships are being held for events involving rookies, boys and girls, and freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.