Huntsville’s USA Table Tennis Nationals Recognized as a 2024 Champion of Economic Impact

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

 The USA Table Tennis Nationals, held in July at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall, has been awarded the title of a 2024 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management. This recognition, which highlights events that significantly boost local economies, underscores Huntsville’s growing reputation as a premier sports destination. The event generated a substantial $1.9 million in economic impact, bringing in nearly 3,000 hotel room bookings and drawing hundreds of fans to the area.

“This is a tremendous honor for our entire sports tourism team here in Huntsville,” said Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Thanks to the partnership with USA Table Tennis, we were able to create a memorable experience that drove a significant economic impact at a needed time for our hospitality community.”

The Nationals were selected in the Innovations in Sports Tourism category, specifically recognizing the holistic approach taken to engage visitors. From the moment attendees arrived, Huntsville’s hospitality industry delivered a seamless, immersive experience. Huntsville International Airport featured “Air Court 1,” a table tennis setup for travelers, while Downtown Huntsville, Inc. placed wayfinding signage and shared website promotions to guide visitors to restaurants and attractions. To build excitement, a collaborative send-off party for the U.S. Olympic team included a ceremonial first pitch at a Rocket City Trash Pandas game.

Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, commended the teamwork behind the event, which he said was essential to its success.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team and the remarkable collaboration across Huntsville to make events like these a reality,” Russell stated. “We’re proud to showcase Huntsville as a sports destination and create unforgettable experiences for athletes and fans alike, while also supporting our local economy.”

The event culminated with nearly 1,000 fans filling the championship court’s seating area, adding to the lively atmosphere of a near-capacity crowd. USA Table Tennis CEO Virginia Sung praised Huntsville’s dedication: “Partnering with Huntsville enabled us to provide our participants a championship-level venue and experience befitting a national event. This partnership exemplifies the positive impact sports can bring to a community,” Sung said.

Each year, Sports Destination Management’s list of Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism honors top sports events that together contribute over $1.88 billion to the national economy. The USA Table Tennis Nationals joins this prestigious group, marking an impressive achievement for both Huntsville and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

With the success of events like the Nationals, Huntsville is solidifying its role as a top contender in the sports tourism market, showing that the city can host national championships and provide memorable experiences for attendees and athletes alike.