Topeka Area Sports Commission’s Game-Changing Survey Results To Shape Strategic Vision, Drive Facility And Program Development
The Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) is pleased to announce results of its comprehensive “Road Warriors: Topeka’s Sports Economic Outflow” survey. The survey highlights the significant impact of sports-related travel by Topeka families and sheds light on areas of improvement for local sports facilities and programming. The findings will be used to evaluate facility and program needs, shaping TASC’s strategic vision of growing sports-related opportunities and tourism in the Topeka region.
Conducted in the past year with participation from over 1,000 community residents, the survey provides critical data on how Topeka-area families engage with amateur sports, including the frequency, distance, and expenditure associated with traveling outside of Topeka for sporting events. The survey revealed that 69.7% of families travel more than 11 times each year for sports, and many travel more than 50 miles per trip. The economic outflow from these trips is substantial, with an estimated $7.1 million spent annually by Topeka families on sports-related travel.
“These survey results highlight the need for Topeka to invest in local sports facilities and programs to keep more sports tourism dollars in our community,” said Mike Bell, TASC executive director. “We have an incredible opportunity to enhance our local infrastructure and position Topeka as a top destination for sporting events that benefit both local athletes and the regional economy. TASC is committed to moving this mission forward.”
Key findings from the survey include the following:
Frequent Travel: 69.7% of respondents travel 11 or more times per year for amateur sports events, demonstrating high levels of engagement in sports activities outside the Topeka area.
Economic Impact: Families spend an average of $161 on day trips and $404 on overnight trips, with more than $7.1 million flowing out of Topeka annually due to sports-related travel.
Popular Sports: The top sports driving travel include soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, and football, indicating a potential opportunity to expand facilities for these sports locally.
TASC plans to utilize survey results to make progress on the following strategic objectives:
Assess Facility Needs: Investment in upgrading or building new sports facilities will be explored to attract more events, reduce travel outflow, and create additional opportunities for local athletes to compete at home.
Develop Local Programs: By understanding which sports drive travel, TASC can develop new youth and adult sports programs, igniting a new era of sports activities and tournaments in Topeka.
Promote Economic Growth: Through enhancement of local sports tourism, the sports commission aims to boost economic impact in the area by drawing more regional and national events to Topeka.
Moving forward, TASC will work closely with local sports entities, government officials, and business leaders to implement survey recommendations, ensuring that Topeka’s sports infrastructure meets growing demand and supports athletes and local businesses. The commission is steadfast in its commitment to transforming the community into a thriving destination for sports tourism, keeping families closer to home.
“We encourage residents to stay engaged and support these initiatives as we work together to shape the future of sports in Topeka,” Bell added. “The data is clear—with strategic planning, we can make the capital city a premier sports destination.”
The full report can be found HERE.
