CHARLESTON, W.Va. โ West Virginia's reputation as a destination for sports tourism was on full display in Charleston in 2025 when major athletic events brought visitors, national attention, and millions of dollars in economic impact to the region.
From cycling championships and high school tournaments to national basketball events and marquee car shows, the Capitol City of 50,000 hosted competitions and celebrations year-round, reinforcing its role as a hub for sports and outdoor recreation.
Leslie Smithson, director of communications for the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said 2025 had been a game-changing year for the city and the Kanawha Valley.
โThis has been an incredible year for Charleston,โ Smithson said. โSports tourism continues to be a powerful driver for our local economy, and 2025 showed whatโs possible when we combine world-class events with our cityโs natural assets, venues, and community support.โ
Charleston becomes a Bike City USA
Smithson said 2025 began with the bureau announcing Charleston's branding as Bike City USA, building on a foundation of competitive cycling events and access to extensive trail systems.
As part of that initiative, the bureau launched BikeCity-USA.com, a trip-planning resource featuring route and parking maps, local bike shops, and links to AllTrails for outdoor exploration.
At Kanawha State Forest, the bureau also sponsored the Black Bear Mountain Race, one of the nation's oldest mountain-biking race series. The event supported the Kanawha River Wildcats, a youth team competing in the Interscholastic Cycling League.
USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships
In May, the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships, presented by Spilman Thomas & Battle, generated an estimated $6.9 million in economic impact, supported 1,030 jobs, and produced $591,000 in local tax revenue.
Smithsons said visitor spending tied to the championships accounted for 14% of total visitor expenditures during that period. It delivered extensive national exposure, with 1.5 million video views, 149,000 social media engagements, and more than three million impressions.
Media coverage reached an estimated audience of 332 million, earning the bureau a Media Excellence award at the West Virginia Governorโs Conference on Tourism.
The Great Race
In June, the Great Race brought antique, vintage, and collector cars to Haddad Riverfront Park, culminating in an arrival ceremony paired with Veterans Night at Live on the Levee.
In July, the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center welcomed back "The Basketball Tournament," featuring alumni teams from West Virginia University and Marshall University, drawing enthusiastic crowds and highlighting one of the stateโs most storied rivalries.
In September, Charleston hosted the Spartan Opening Ceremony in support of the 2025 West Virginia Spartan Trifecta World Championships in Glen Jean. Athletes from around the world registered in the city and took part in a Parade of Nations following the ceremony.
In December, with Holiday Hoopfest, the West Virginia Mountaineers faced the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
Charleston also hosted numerous West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission championships, including basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, football, baseball, and cheerleading, bringing student-athletes and families from across the state.
Looking ahead to 2026
With momentum building, Smithson said bureau officials are preparing the city for another busy year in 2026 with the University of Charleston Marathon and the USA Gymnastics for All GymFest.
โThese events donโt just fill hotel rooms for a weekend,โ Smithson said. โThey introduce people to Charleston, many of whom return later as leisure travelers or bring their families back to explore everything our city and region have to offer.โ
About Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston is the capital and largest city in West Virginia, set at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers and surrounded by the forested hills of the central Appalachians. Founded in the late 18th century and shaped by river commerce, salt production, coal, and chemical manufacturing, the city has evolved into the stateโs political, cultural, and economic center.
Today, the city benefits from a blend of historic neighborhoods, a revitalized downtown, and a scenic riverfront, with venues including the West Virginia Capitol Complex, the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, and the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
Its growing emphasis on outdoor recreation, festivals, sports tourism, and local dining has helped position the city as both a gateway to southern West Virginia and a destination in its own right.
More information about upcoming events and travel planning is available at CharlestonWV.com.
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