Sports biz a big boost for Sarasota hotels

SARASOTA — The Sarasota County Sports Commission posted a considerable year-over-year increase in sponsored events in fiscal year 2015.

For the year ended Sept. 30, the sports commission, a division of Visit Sarasota County, sponsored 112 events. That's a 57% increase over 2014, according to a new report, and led to 101,310 room nights in the region. In total, the activity generated more than $144 million in economic impact, a 39% increase over last year.

The strong year was capped by a few significant events, according to a release. That includes the Sarasota Superboat Grand Prix Festival, which generated $31 million in economic impact and 15,000 room nights.

Nathan Benderson Park hosts the most events for the commission. The park is scheduled to host the 2016 Olympic Team Trials for rowing and the 2017 World Rowing Championships.