Three major events will bring competitors and spectators from across the country to the Hershey Harrisburg Region this weekend, bringing a combined local economic impact estimated at more than $14.1 million.

Coppa Classico Soccer Tournament, Defender Hockey Columbus Day Invitational, and Pennsylvania National Horse Show demonstrate the positive impact sports tourism brings to our community.

Youth sports help power steady weekend impact

The Coppa Classico Soccer Tournament returns for its 16th year on October 10-11 with an estimated 200 youth teams from across the Mid-Atlantic. The tournament utilizes 12 venues with 51 turf and natural grass fields in the region, along with additional venues in Lancaster and Lebanon County. An estimated $1.6 million in economic impact is expected to be generated from the tournament.

The Defender Hockey Columbus Day Invitational will add another significant influx of visitors to the region, bringing nearly 100 teams from across the Mid-Atlantic to the fully booked competition on October 10–12. Games will be held at Twin Ponds, Klick Lewis Arena, and York Ice Arena. The tournament is projected to generate approximately $1.5 million in economic impact.

Teams traveling from outside the area for both events will need hotel rooms, places to eat, and entertainment from local attractions to pass the time between games. This combination of competition and destination experiences showcases the value of sports tourism.

A national event with a longstanding local impact

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show celebrates its 80th anniversary at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center this year on October 8–18. It has become one of the largest indoor horse shows in the country and hosts several national championships. More than $11 million in economic impact is expected from the 11-day event.

The length of the event is particularly significant from an economic impact perspective. It generates sustained demand at hotels, restaurants and local attractions throughout the week, which is traditionally a slower period for those businesses compared to the weekend.

The value of being an event destination

The economic activity generated by these events reinforces why attracting and supporting sporting events is about more than filling a venue.

“Every event we host generates spending at local businesses and hotel stays, supports jobs, and showcases our destination to new audiences to encourage repeat visitation” said Sharon Myers, President & CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg.

The impact of these events is part of a larger sports tourism trend across the state. The Sports ETA 2026 State of the Industry Report ranked Pennsylvania fourth in the nation for both participatory and spectator sports economic impact. Additionally, Longwoods International research conducted for Visit PA found that 21% of overnight visitors to Pennsylvania included a sporting event as part of their trip, up from 15% the previous year.

These numbers reinforce the opportunity for communities that can successfully compete for sporting events.

“While the venue is a critical piece for organizers choosing a destination for their event, there are many other factors that play a significant role as well” said Danielle Vincenti, Executive Director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports and Events Authority. “They need convenient transportation, ample accommodations, and unique entertainment options to create an experience that extends beyond the competition.”

Growth and investment in these areas will continue to improve the region’s ability to compete for future events that deliver economic impact. Harrisburg International Airport recently reported a record-breaking year with 16% growth in 2026. Amtrak will be adding a second daily train between Pittsburgh and New York with a stop in Harrisburg. Several new Dauphin County based hotels have opened or been announced this year. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts continues to make upgrades to its properties, such as a new day-spa facility, additional convention meeting space, and stadium enhancements to better accommodate massive world shows. Downtown Harrisburg seeks to build momentum with a massive revitalization effort underway.

“We are incredibly grateful and proud of the work by our community partners and elected officials in bringing this progress to the region” said Myers. “We are committed to continuing to contribute to this work by bringing more visitors and events to the region.”