Legends Event Center Generates $18.2 Million in Summer Economic Impact for Bryan

Summary:

Between May and August 2026, Legends Event Center delivered an $18.2 million economic boost to Bryan, Texas, through sports tourism. This marks the facility's highest summer impact to date, surpassing $15.9 million in 2025, $9.4 million in 2024, and $7.4 million in 2023. Key events driving this growth included national tournaments such as the Adidas 3SSB Boys Basketball Tournament, NXTPRO Puma PRO16 National Finals, Under Armour Futures Basketball, Texas Gun Shows – The Largest Gun Show in Texas, and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Girls’ Basketball Showcase, which expanded into Bryan ISD facilities. Furthermore, upcoming tournaments over the following six weeks are projected to generate an additional $1.8 million in local economic impact.



Legends Event Center delivered an $18.2 million economic boost to Bryan from sports tourism events held between May and August 2026. The multipurpose sports and event facility hosted a series of high-profile tournaments and shows, drawing thousands of visitors from outside the region and driving significant spending at local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

This summer’s impact marks the facility’s strongest season yet, surpassing $15.9 million in summer 2025, $9.4 million in summer 2024 and $7.4 million in summer 2023.

"Legends Event Center is a key asset to Bryan tourism," said John Friebele, Executive Director of Destination Bryan. "These tournaments bring real economic impact to Bryan, which means more money for our hotels, restaurants and gas stations that keep circulating through the local economy."

Major events included the Adidas 3SSB Boys Basketball Tournament and NXTPRO Puma National Finals, which drew elite athletes and their families from across the country. The calendar also featured Texas Gun Shows, Under Armour Futures Basketball, and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Girls’ Basketball Showcase. The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Girls’ Basketball Showcase was so large it expanded beyond Legends Event Center into Bryan ISD facilities. That collaboration between Bryan ISD and Legends Event Center showcased the community’s ability to host major competitions and further cemented Bryan’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.

“This summer is a great reminder of what Legends Event Center was built to do—bring world-class events to Bryan while creating meaningful opportunities for our community,” said Legends Event Center’s General Manager, Jaime Cox. “Hosting tournaments of this caliber takes more than great facilities; it takes strong partnerships, a dedicated team, and a community that is ready to welcome thousands of athletes, families, coaches and spectators.”

The economic impact analysis includes estimated visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, retail, and entertainment, as well as the ripple effect of that spending throughout the local economy. Visitor spending in Bryan directly benefits local businesses. Additionally, the sales tax generated contributes to the local economy, which in turn directly benefits residents. In 2025, an estimated 4.9 million people visited Bryan, Texas. These visitors spent around $190.1 million in the community. If these visitors stopped coming today, each household in Bryan would need to spend an extra $5600 to keep the economy moving. And, visitor spending in Bryan supported an estimated 2300 local jobs in 2025.

The success of Legends Event Center is the result of strong collaboration between Destination Bryan, the City of Bryan, and The Sports Facilities Companies staff. Together, these partners continue to position Bryan as a destination for major tournaments, shows, and community events year-round.

“When I visit with mayors across the country, they all ask me how they can get their own Legends Event Center,” said Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. “Legends has become a tremendous asset for Bryan, strengthening our reputation as a sports tourism destination while generating real economic impact for our community. Just as importantly, it has helped serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and redevelopment of Midtown, bringing new energy, investment and activity to Midtown Park and the surrounding area. This summer’s $18.2 million economic impact is a great example of how strategic investments like Legends continue paying dividends for Bryan.”

Legends Event Center continues its impressive run, with several upcoming tournaments expected to generate more than $1.8 million dollars in economic impact for the community within the next six weeks. While the summer groups were routinely national-level events, Legends Event Center is able to turn its attention to supporting local groups this fall. Legends Invitational Volleyball Tournament, CSISD Middle School Volleyball Tournament, and Aggieland Homeschool Come and Take It Regional Showdown Volleyball Tournament are all tournaments scheduled through September, giving local student athletes the chance to compete without leaving town. Rather than traveling for these events, Legends Event Center allows local groups and schools to host their tournaments right here in Bryan.



Legends Event Center Fast Facts:

Facility

  • One-of-a-kind, indoor sports and entertainment facility in the heart of Travis Bryan Midtown Park
  • 122,000+ square-foot indoor facility
  • Opened in December 2022
  • 16 volleyball courts that can convert to 8 basketball courts, full concessions, a gaming arena, meeting and hospitality rooms, a full arcade, turf space, and a flex space with access to an outdoor patio for smaller events
  • Sand Volleyball Courts opened March 2024 and includes 4 NCAA-approved, lighted courts and a terraced viewing area with synthetic turf and sail shade structures
  • Owned by the City of Bryan, operated by The Sports Facilities Companies, and is a member of the SF Network, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities

Fiscal Year 2026 Economic Impact (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026)

  • $40.14M Expected Economic Impact
  • $826,045 Local Taxes Generated
  • 38 Tourism-Based Events
  • 38,571 Room Nights
  • 114,006 Attendees

Note: Data is estimated from Texas Gun Show - Largest Gun Show in Texas (8/7/26-8/9/26) through the end of the fiscal year and still remains to be finalized post event. Total FY26 Economic Impact data is subject to change due to final reports.

Legends Event Center Awards & Recognition

  • Texas Travel Awards
    • 2023 Best Sports Venue | Big Market
  • Sports Destination Management
    • 2025 Champions Of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism
    • 2024 Champions Of Economic Impact In Sports Tourism
  • The Sports Facilities Companies
    • 2024 Industry Leader
    • 2024 Venue Hustle Award
    • 2024 Venue Innovation Award
  • Bryan I.S.D.
    • Partnership For Sports Events

For more information about Legends Event Center, visit bryanlegends.com.

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Photos for Media Use: https://platform.crowdriff.com...

Media Contacts:
Lina Adams
PR & Communications Coordinator, Destination Bryan
lina@destinationbryan.com

Mitchell Isbell
Director of Business Development, Events, & Marketing, Legends Event Center
MIsbell@bryanlegends.com

Christian Hamilton
Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist, City of Bryan
chamilton@bryantx.gov