NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The 2019 edition of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament brought in big money for Music City.
According to the Nashville Sports Council, the five-day tournament had a $23.4 million impact for the city.
The tournament brought in a record-setting 210,212 basketball fans to Bridgestone Arena during the five days.
The semifinal session Satruday afternoon, which featured Tennesse vs. Kentucky, set the single session attendance record with 20,993 fans in the arena for the game.
The Nashville Sports Council said tournament visitors spent an average of $286.37 per day.
“The SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament continues to deliver a tremendous economic impact on our city and promotes Nashville to millions of viewers across the country,” said Scott Ramsey, President, and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council. ”With the tournament secure in Nashville through 2035, the SEC Basketball Tournament has become one of Nashville’s most successful weeks during the year.”
Nashville has hosted the SEC Tournament five out of the last seven years. The economic impact has grown by at least $1 million each time Nashville has hosted the tournament.
The 2020 SEC Tournament will be back in Music City March 11-15.
