(RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN) - Sports Destination Management has announced the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau and TSSAA as 2019 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year's winners are responsible for contributing more than $1 billion to the national economy over the past year. Among the winners of the Sports Destination Champions of Economic Impact, you can find the 2019 TSSAA SPRING FLING, produced by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) in cooperation with the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). This year's award marks the third consecutive win, and lands the Rutherford County CVB and TSSAA on Sports Destination Management's Honor Roll.

An impressive economic impact from the event of $3.5 million was estimated for 2019. TSSAA, holds the championship events in five sports (baseball, softball, girls' soccer, track & field and tennis) in late May each year. Events are held at venues across Rutherford County including the facilities at Middle Tennessee State University. This Olympic-style event takes over 1,000 volunteers, approximately 5,000 competitors and 27,000 spectators that all attend the events throughout the week. Visitors, event staff and athletes contribute to the estimated 3,000 room nights required for the event.

"TSSAA Spring Fling brings the community and visitors together each year, and leads to increased awareness of Rutherford County being known as the Sports Capital of Tennessee ®" said Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau Senior Vice President Barbara Wolke. "We strive to keep the ball rolling and help Rutherford County progress as a sought-after sports destination."

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2019 issue of Sports Destination Management. Read the entire article with full details on the winners below.