Greater Wausau saw an estimated $3.2 million in direct visitor spending and about $5.1 million in total economic impact from the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament, held July 13-26 in Weston.
The championship at Greenheck Turner Community Center drew nearly 900 registered competitors and an estimated 3,000 people in total, including family members and spectators, over nearly two weeks.
Visit Wausau said its estimate drew on attendance, lodging records, visitor spending data, participant surveys and results from comparable past tournaments. Hotel occupancy reached 82% during the reporting period, with 8,794 room nights and about $1.39 million in hotel revenue, plus about $360,000 from short-term rentals.
In survey responses, 86.2% of participants said they visited places beyond the tournament, with restaurants the most common stop, followed by downtown Wausau, parks and trails, shopping, the Granite Peak and Rib Mountain area, and museums and arts venues.
Of 87 survey respondents, 96.6% rated the event four or five out of five, and 92% said the facilities met or exceeded expectations. Organizers said the center is scheduled to host again in 2029.
