Columbia receives sports tourism award
From left to right: Columbia Councilmember Kenny Marshall, Councilman Charlie Huffman, Councilmember Cheryl Secrest, Mayor Chaz Molder, Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan, Vice Mayor McBroom, Councilmember Brian McKelvy, and City Manager Tony Massey. (Photo by Columbia)
Columbia Parks and Recreation has been recognized as 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, honoring the exceptional performance and national impact of the Ridley Sports Complex. The complex was honored in the Small Market category, highlighting Columbia’s continued rise as a premier destination for sports tourism. Across all 2025 champions, more than $1.4 billion in economic activity was generated nationwide over the past year, underscoring the powerful role sporting events play in strengthening local economies. This comes as the complex prepares to once again host the Midstate Classic collegiate softball tournament.