The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau was named Sports Tourism Organization of the Year (Population under 500,000) by Sports ETA, a trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, representing over 800 member organizations.
Judges noted the organization’s success in supporting a diverse and high-impact portfolio of events across multiple sports and venues. Matt Ten Haken, Director of Sports Marketing, and Abby McDaniel, Sports Marketing Manager, lead the CVB’s sports tourism efforts.
“The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau represents the very best of what sports tourism leadership looks like,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Their ability to drive measurable economic impact, foster strong community partnerships, and consistently deliver high-quality events sets a national standard for destinations of any size.”
The award caps a landmark year for the Fox Cities. In 2025, the Fox Cities CVB hosted 264 sporting events, generating over 34,000 hotel room nights and an impressive $14.1 million in direct visitor spending.
The success was fueled by high-profile bookings, including the USA Powerlifting High School National Championships and the World Axe & Knife Throwing Championships. Central to this growth is the Community First Champion Center, which hosted more than 70 major tournaments in 2025 alone.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Sports ETA as Sports Tourism Organization of the Year,” said Ten Haken. “This award reflects the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and our shared commitment to creating exceptional sports experiences that benefit our entire community.”
For more information on the Fox Cities and its sports facilities, visit foxcities.org.
