Sports are more than just games — they’re economic engines that drive communities.
To explore the financial power of sports, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will host “The Economics of Sports” panel discussion Thursday, discussing how athletics shape economies, business and culture. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UTC’s Wolford Family Athletic Center.
Guest panelists include Randy Boyd, president of the University of Tennessee System and owner/operator of five minor league baseball teams, and Brad R. Humphreys, sports economist and professor at West Virginia University. Chattanooga Times Free Press sportswriter and columnist Jay Greeson will moderate the discussion.
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Some of the topics for the afternoon will include:
— Stadium financing: How professional and collegiate teams fund their facilities, including recent local debates like Chattanooga’s Lookouts stadium project.
— The name, image and likeness revolution: How student athletes are monetizing their talent and what it means for college sports.
— The broader impact of sports: Beyond dollars, what does it mean for a city or university to have a team? How do sports influence culture, behavior and community identity?
“Sports have a massive economic impact locally, regionally and nationally,” Claudia W. Kramer, UTC’s Scott L. Probasco Jr. distinguished chair of free enterprise, said in a news release. “Each of our panelists brings a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge about the complexities of the industry. We’re excited to give sports fans a look behind the curtain to better understand the inner workings of some of our favorite pastimes.”
The event is open to the public. Register at bit.ly/EconomicsSports.
–– Compiled by Jennifer McNally