USM Regional Baseball Tournament, economic impact of $1.7 million officials say

HATTIESBURG, MS. - The University of Southern Mississippi hosting NCAA Regional Baseball Tournament this weekend is projected to bring in $1.7 million dollars into Hub-city's economy.

Visit Hattiesburg Executive Director Rick Taylor said, “What it takes for them to be here and for them to stay."

He added, "They have got to have places to eat, they are going to get gasoline, we have every expectation they will spend a little money in our shops that sort of thing.”

Taylor said outside of school and stadium spending, teams and visitors are projected to spend at least $600,000.

“That’s good tourism income for a very good period of time" he said. The city is projecting 1,935 visitors from outside of 50 miles. Visit Hattiesburg officials said the following are what teams and spectators are projected to spend:

Taylor said, “I have estimated $15/day in miscellaneous spending." He added, "I am sure that travelers here who would laugh at $15 that is not even close."

"Its hundreds of dollars a day as people enjoy Hattiesburg, that number is very conservative, that $1.7 million is a very conservative number.”

According to Visit Hattiesburg the bulk of the direct spending is from the $1 million dollars on tickets alone.

Taylor said the projected economic impact on Hattiesburg's economy is $2.3 dollars.

"There is just all these kinds of opportunities for Hattiesburg financially benefit from, as well as enjoy not only hosting people, but enjoy some great baseball.”