Charleston Sports Tourism Success in 2025: A Year of Major Events and Economic Growth

Published on December 30, 2025

Charleston, West Virginia, has firmly established itself as a rising star in sports tourism, with 2025 marking a year of tremendous success in the industry. The city, known for its welcoming atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, has established a strong reputation in the sporting world. The Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has attracted thousands of visitors and had a significant economic impact thanks to an exciting schedule of major events.

Among the year’s most notable events were the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships, the WVSSAC Championships, and The Basketball Tournament (TBT). These, and many other events, drew athletes, spectators, and tourists to Charleston, boosting the local economy and increasing the city’s national visibility.

Charleston Branded as ‘Bike City USA’

One of the highlights of 2025 was the branding of Charleston as ‘Bike City USA’. This initiative was led by the CVB, which aimed to capitalize on the city’s growing reputation for cycling. The branding was supported by a dedicated website, bikecity-usa.com, offering cyclists a wealth of resources to plan their rides. The website features detailed maps, parking locations, bike shops, and links to AllTrails, a trusted platform for outdoor enthusiasts. This initiative is a part of Charleston’s long-term strategy to develop its infrastructure and attract cycling events, which have become increasingly popular in the region.

In 2025, the CVB took the initiative to sponsor the Black Bear Mountain Race at Kanawha State Forest. Known as one of the oldest mountain biking races in the nation, this event drew a diverse group of competitors from across the country. Furthermore, the CVB supported the Kanawha River Wildcats, a youth cycling team, in their participation in the Interscholastic Cycling League. These initiatives not only promoted cycling but also underscored Charleston’s commitment to fostering local talent and expanding its cycling culture.

Major Sporting Events Drive Economic Impact

The USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships were among the standout sporting events in Charleston for 2025. With Spilman Thomas & Battle as the presenting sponsor, the championships generated an estimated $6.9 million in economic impact. The event also provided a significant boost to local businesses, with visitor spending increasing by 14% of the total spending. Furthermore, the championships helped to support 1,030 jobs in the area and contributed $591,000 in local taxes. The event proved to be a powerful force for growth, attracting national attention and showcasing Charleston’s potential as a host city for top-tier events.

According to data provided by the CVB and USA Cycling, the social media engagement for the championships was remarkable. Total engagement reached 149,000, while video views soared to 1.5 million. The event generated 3.04 million impressions, and its media presence included 388 mentions, resulting in a potential reach of 332 million people. These impressive figures earned the event a prestigious award for Media Excellence at the West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

A Full Calendar of Events

The Great Race in June added another layer of excitement to Charleston’s sports tourism calendar. This event, which showcased antique, vintage, and collector cars, attracted large crowds to Haddad Riverfront Park. The arrival ceremony, followed by Veterans Night at Live on the Levee, created a unique experience for the city, blending history, culture, and sport in a way that only Charleston can offer.

In July, the city welcomed the return of The Basketball Tournament (TBT) to the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. The event saw intense competition between alumni teams from Marshall University and West Virginia University, creating an electric atmosphere in the coliseum. The home-state rivalry, combined with the high level of basketball talent, made for an unforgettable experience for local fans and visitors alike.

Charleston also hosted the opening ceremony for the 2025 West Virginia Spartan Trifecta World Championships in Glen Jean. In September, athletes from around the world gathered in Charleston to participate in the Parade of Nations, marking the beginning of a weekend filled with challenging races and intense athleticism. The event helped to strengthen the city’s image as a hub for high-end sports tourism.

A Year of Local Championships and Holiday Events

In addition to national events, Charleston also hosted a variety of West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) championships in 2025. These included competitions in sports such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, football, baseball, and cheerleading. These local championships provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and brought families and sports fans to Charleston from all over the state.

As the year drew to a close, the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center hosted the West Virginia University Mountaineers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for the highly anticipated Holiday Hoopfest. The event brought more basketball excitement to the city and concluded what had been a thrilling year for Charleston’s sports tourism sector.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Charleston’s Sports Tourism

The success of 2025 has set the stage for an even brighter future for sports tourism in Charleston. The CVB has already announced a line-up of exciting events for 2026, including the UC Marathon and the USA Gymnastics for All GymFest. These upcoming events are expected to attract more visitors, generate additional economic impact, and further establish Charleston as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.

Charleston’s sports tourism sector has proven to be a vital component of the city’s economic growth and a key driver of its tourism industry. With its combination of major national events, local championships, and a strong focus on outdoor activities like cycling, Charleston is well on its way to becoming one of the leading sports tourism destinations in the United States.

Conclusion

Charleston continues to embrace the world of sports tourism, demonstrating that it is more than capable of hosting major events that draw visitors from all over the world. The year 2025 demonstrated the power of sports to stimulate the local economy, create job opportunities, and leave visitors with lasting memories. With the groundwork already laid for 2026 and beyond, Charleston’s reputation as a thriving sports tourism destination is sure to grow, providing visitors with a rich and dynamic experience packed with events, activities, and a warm West Virginia welcome.