Key findings
- Economic activity: With indirect and induced effects included, Bertram Chain of Lakes athletic event attendees generated $317,433 in economic activity during summer 2023. The attendees supported 10 jobs in the community.
- Extension estimates that 4,640 people attended activities at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park athletic fields in the summer of 2023.
- Spending: Given the number of attendees and the spending profiles, Bertram Chain of Lakes athletic event attendees spent an estimated $218,323 during summer 2023.
- On average, attendees of athletic events at Bertram who do not live within the zip code spent $50.34 per day per person to attend their events. In comparison, attendees from Monticello spent, on average, $38.30.
- Supported industries: Bertram Chain of Lakes athletic event attendees generated $317,433 in economic activity. Of that, $99,113 was created at businesses not necessarily visited by event attendees.
- The industries that benefited the most from the attendees (beyond direct visits) included real estate, utilities, and administrative and support services
About this report
The City of Monticello, in partnership with Wright County, created the 1,200-acre Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. The park has many activities and amenities, including trails for mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and walking, an amphitheater, a fishing pier, a campground, and a swimming beach.
In addition, Monticello is in the process of developing an athletic park. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park is situated on 120 acres and offers 22 soccer fields, seven lacrosse fields, and 10 football fields. The Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park attracts visitors from across Minnesota to events held on-site, introducing Monticello to the sports tourism market.
The City of Monticello was interested in understanding how sports tourism related to the Bertram Chain of Lakes athletic fields impacts the city’s economy. University of Minnesota Extension’s economic impact analysis team collaborated with the city to design a project. The goal of this project was to answer the following questions:
- How much do sports tourists spend in the community during their visit?
- Which businesses directly benefit from sports tourists?
- Which businesses indirectly benefit from sports tourists?
- What opportunities exist to increase the economic benefits of sports tourism in Monticello?
Reviewed in 2023