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DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The Carolina Blaze women’s softball team brought nearly $6 million to the City of Durham in their first season, officials said.
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The Blaze, a member of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League based in Durham, generated $5.95 million in economic impact to the city during their 13 home games, including 8,976 hotel stays, 23,077 tickets sold, and visitors from 20 states, according to the Durham Sports Commission.
“The success of the Blaze’s inaugural season was a ‘One Team, One Durham’ effort,” Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning said. “The Durham Sports Commission, Duke University, the Durham Bulls, Discover Durham, the AUSL, local businesses, and the broader community came together to welcome professional women’s softball to the Bull City with open arms and ‘Go Blaze’ chants.
“Together, these partners have created an experience that brought visitors to Durham, generated economic impact, elevated the visibility of women’s sports, and gave the community a new team to rally behind,” Manning continued in his statement. “We can’t wait for next year.”
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According to the commission, the Blaze sold out their first home game at Duke University’s Smith Family Stadium on June 9.
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“From the outset, we believed the Carolina Blaze could be more than a professional softball team,” Duke University Deputy Director of Athletics, Operations and Capital Projects Bob Weiseman said in a statement. “It could serve as a catalyst for economic growth, community engagement and the continued rise of women’s sports in our region.
“Duke University was proud to partner with the Durham Sports Commission and Athletes Unlimited Softball League to bring this opportunity to Durham,” he continued in his statement. “The resulting economic impact, visitor activity and national exposure demonstrate what is possible when organizations unite around a common vision for our community.”
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