FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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Isaac Reichman, ireichman@choosechicago.com, (312) 805-9586
Stephen Crano, scrano@choosechicago.com, (312) 567-8505

2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend delivered $128 million in economic impact to Chicago 

Reports released today by the Chicago Sports Commission show significant year-over-year growth in economic and media impact during the second year of NASCAR Chicago Street Race

CHICAGO (October 7, 2024) – Today, Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission released the economic and media impact reports of the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend. These reports show that the race weekend had a total economic impact of $128 million, an increase of over 17% compared to the inaugural race last year, and generated $9.6 million in state and local taxes. The race also contributed $43.6 million in media value, 85% more than last year, thanks in large part to an increase in international media coverage. The reports were completed by Temple University’s distinguished Sports Industry Research Center (SIRC).

“NASCAR’s presence in Chicago demonstrates that we are the best city in America for innovative sporting events,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This is a race without parallel in the world and I am pleased that the event has generated positive economic impact and supported hundreds of jobs over the last two years. I look forward to working collaboratively with my leadership team and the community to leverage this event to drive even greater impact next year.”

“Last year’s NASCAR Street Race Weekend was a spectacular first-of-its-kind event, and I am thrilled to see this year’s race was even better,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “These reports show positive year-over-year growth across key impact metrics that we expect will be the beginning of a trend we will continue to observe next year. They also show that, in addition to significant direct economic impact, NASCAR is bringing incredibly valuable national and international media exposure to our city through the televised broadcasts of race days. I look forward to seeing this event continue to evolve next year and deliver for our city once again.”

In addition to the total economic impact of $128 million, the economic impact report shows that the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend was a win for Chicago across all metrics:

  • The event supported 865 jobs – 115 more than last year’s race.
  • 53,063 unique attendees took part in this year’s festivities, up from 47,405 last year, thanks in part to the introduction of single-day tickets.
  • Out of 53,063 total unique attendees, 27,188 (51%) traveled to Chicago solely or primarily for the event. These attendees traveled from 25 countries – 66% more than last year.
  • The 2024 Chicago Street Race generated 38,095 hotel room nights, up 29% from 2023 (29,532 hotel room nights).
  • 80% of surveyed attendees would recommend Chicago as a travel destination, and 63% plan to return to Chicago for vacation outside of the race.
  • Underscoring the importance of the event in introducing new visitors to Chicago, over 11% of attendees said it was their first time in Chicago – more than twice as many as last year.

“We’re incredibly proud of the fact that we’ve been able to deliver on our promise to build something truly unique and authentic to Chicago that not only drives tourism but does so in a way with community at its core,” said Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President. “This incredible year-over-year growth clearly shows that the Chicago Street Race has become a mainstay of the Chicago summer calendar, and we look forward to building on this incredible momentum in 2025.”

The impact of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race goes beyond direct economic impact, as Chicago’s vibrancy was once again broadcast around the world. Based on an analysis of publicity generated via TV broadcast, online and print outlets, social media and event promotion, the estimated media value of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race totaled $43.6 million, 85% more than last year. This increase was driven primarily by a rise in international media coverage and is the equivalent of placing 348 30-second TV advertisements highlighting Chicago during the NASCAR Grant Park 165 or 6.2 Super Bowl LVIII advertisements.

“The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend proved once again that Chicago is the greatest sports city in the world,” said Kara Bachman, Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission. “Nothing can compare to the impact of an event like this – both in terms of short-term economic and media impact and in Chicago’s long-term status as destination for sports tourism.”

The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend will take place July 5 – 6, 2024.

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About Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.

About the Chicago Sports Commission: With a vision of establishing Chicago as the #1 U.S. destination for sports tourism, the Chicago Sports Commission recruits and supports high-profile, major sporting events that drive significant economic impact and positive exposure for the city of Chicago. The Chicago Sports Commission launched in 2011 as a part of Choose Chicago. A registered 501(c)6, we’re comprised of a dedicated full-time staff and supported by a Corporate Partner program, which makes up Chicago Sports Commission’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.