WKU Basketball makes over $2.25M economic impact on Warren County

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A study conducted by the Bowling Green Convention and Visitors Bureau has determined Western Kentucky University’s basketball programs had an economic impact of over $2.25 million on the Warren County community during the 2023-24 season. The review focused on hotel night stays generated by home athletic events for men’s and women’s basketball.

So far this year, WKU Athletics has made an economic impact of over $5.75 million in the period of August 2023 through March 2024.

“WKU Athletics is a testament to dedication, and a continuous pursuit of excellence that pushes the boundaries of Hilltopper pride,” said Darius Clement, the Sports Sales Director at the Bowling Green Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They are more than a team, they are a force. They energize our community, fuel our local economy, and inspire generations to chase their dreams, both on and off the field.”

WKU men’s basketball hosted 14 regular season games at E.A. Diddle Arena this year, while women’s basketball played host to 14 opponents in the regular season and one in an exhibition. The two programs combined for a 21-7 record inside Diddle Arena this past season, while over 55,000 people came to a basketball game on The Hill.