WVU Athletics stands as one of the most visible and influential forces in West Virginia’s economy—a cultural cornerstone and a powerful catalyst for statewide growth. Game-day weekends in Morgantown create major surges in tourism activity, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops while boosting the entertainment and transportation sectors.
In 2024, home football games drew an average of 49,000 fans to Milan Puskar Stadium, infusing millions into the local economy and supporting small businesses across the Mountain State.
The impact of WVU Athletics extends well beyond football season. Year-round events—including basketball tournaments, baseball and soccer series, graduation weekends, and athletic camps—generate consistent tourism and hospitality activity. Major capital investments in athletics facilities also stimulate construction, attracting regional contractors and strengthening supply chains. New and upgraded venues enhance the fan experience, expand national media exposure, and position West Virginia as a premier destination for sports and tourism.
In FY24, WVU Athletics generated an estimated $390.0 million in total economic impact, accounting for nearly 10% of the university’s overall output. This total includes significant direct spending on operations, salaries, events, and capital projects, as well as indirect and induced effects from fan, media, and vendor spending that reverberate across the state. WVU Athletics supported 11,286 jobs statewide, including 676 direct positions on campus and 10,610 additional jobs in retail, hospitality, and service industries.
The program’s activities also produced $23.8 million in state and local tax revenues, funding essential public services such as infrastructure, education, and community development. Many first-time visitors who come to Morgantown for Mountaineers sporting events later return as tourists, further amplifying the program’s long-term contribution to West Virginia’s economy.
Through its competitive excellence, loyal fan base, and significant visitor draw, WVU Athletics continues to elevate the state’s profile, drive economic vitality, and strengthen community pride, making it a cornerstone of West Virginia’s long-term tourism and economic growth strategy.
WVU Athletics generates about $1 of every $23 in West Virginia’s $9.1 billion tourism economy, highlighting its vital role in the state’s visitor industry and its lasting impact as a source of Mountaineer pride.
Notes:
- WVU Athletics and other events on campus drive visitors who support jobs across all industries, especially in hospitality, food services, transportation, etc.