The Ian Kinsler NIT Classic was a huge financial success. According to the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the event had a record-breaking impact in terms of recreation attendance and revenues. The tournament, which is the second largest baseball tournament in the state, attracted around 5,500 spectators and team members, which generated hotel and dining revenues of approximately $500,000 for the weekend of May 2, 3 and 4.
According to BACC membership reports, Batesville Area hotels and retreats were fully booked for the weekend, and some businesses reported revenue increases by as much as 100 to 118 percent. Chintan Patel, owner of US Pizza, said of the event:
“Our sales were phenomenal over the weekend of May 2 through 4. We served about 500 people from out of town. I spoke with one gentleman who loved Batesville so much that he is interested in opening a new business here. This is one of the greatest things that has happened to Batesville.”
The Ian Kinsler NIT Classic was the first to be played on the new baseball complex which was funded by the Community Development Initiative Tax, a campaign managed by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. The baseball tournament spectators were joined by the Mark Martin Fan Appreciation Days crowd, which brought in an additional $25,000 in revenue for the Batesville Area.
The figures for this event were calculated using recorded attendance and the IMPLAN model that was implemented for the “Economic Impact of the Batesville Community Center” report, which was conducted by Professor Daniel R. Marbuger of Arkansas State University, and do not reflect retail sales.
About the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in Independence County, providing advocacy, promotion and resources for chamber members.
