NCAA Championships Expected to Generate $24 Million In Economic Impact for Philadelphia Over Memorial Day Weekend

NCAA Championships Expected to Generate $24 Million In Economic Impact for Philadelphia Over Memorial Day Weekend

Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Rowing Championships expected to attract approximately 80,000 fans to the region

PHILADELPHIA – All eyes will be on Philadelphia this Memorial Day weekend as the region is expected to host an estimated 80,000 fans for the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Rowing Championships. The events are anticipated to generate a $24 million economic impact for Philadelphia and 23,000 room nights for area hotels.

Lacrosse fans will descend upon Lincoln Financial Field from around the country to watch powerhouse Division I teams from Duke University, the University of Virginia, Penn State University and the University of Notre Dame battle it out, in addition to Division II teams Mercyhurst University (Erie, Pa.) and Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, N.C.) and Division III teams Tufts University (Medford, Mass.) and Salisbury University (Salisbury, Md.). Drexel University and the Philadelphia Eagles are hosting the championships in partnership with the NCAA and PHL Sports, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We are delighted to be welcoming so many athletes and fans to Philadelphia for this year’s NCAA Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Rowing Championships,” said Don Smolenski, Philadelphia Eagles president and PHL Sports chair. “This weekend will be a great opportunity for visitors to cheer on their teams while enjoying our great city and supporting Philadelphia’s hospitality workers and incredible hotels and restaurants.”

The men’s lacrosse semifinals will take place Saturday, May 27 starting at 12 p.m. The Division II and III finals will be held Sunday, May 28 starting at 1 p.m. and the Division I final will close out the championship weekend on Monday, May 29 at 1 p.m.

“We are proud to serve as the host institution for the 2023 and 2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships,” said Nick Gannon, Drexel University deputy athletic director and chief operating officer for the Department of Athletics. “It’s exciting to showcase the sport of lacrosse on a national stage while highlighting the city of Philadelphia in a first-class venue. We are grateful for the collaborative effort and partnerships with the Eagles, PHL Sports and NCAA to continue to put forth a great event.”

The NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships are expected to bring 750 athletes to the city from 36 teams around the nation. The NCAA in collaboration with Temple University, Camden County Boathouse and PHL Sports are hosts of this championship competition.

“Temple University is proud to serve as co-host, along with Camden County Boathouse and PHL Sports, of the 2023 NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships,” said Arthur Johnson, Temple University vice president and director of athletics. “We look forward to welcoming the competing teams and providing a first-class atmosphere for the student-athletes this weekend.

“I would like to thank Temple Senior Associate Athletics Director Jessica Reo and the entire local organizing committee for their hard work in preparation for the event. I’d also like to thank PHL Sports and the PHLCVB who have made the Philadelphia area one of the top destinations in the country for hosting major sporting events.”

Since 2000, Philadelphia has hosted a total of 20 NCAA championships, including six men’s basketball tournaments and six men’s lacrosse championships. In the next few years, the city will welcome an additional three championships – the 2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships, 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships and 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball first and second rounds. Learn more here.

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About PHL Sports:

PHL Sports, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. PHL Sports, working in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia, the city’s professional teams and universities, has attracted many events to the city and is currently working on bids for future sporting events. To learn more, visit www.DiscoverPHL.com/Sports.