Orange County Sports Commission News & Media

Sports Tourism Drives $63.4 Million in Visitor Spending Across Orange County in 2025

Sports tourism delivered a major economic boost to Orange County in 2025, generating $63.4 million in visitor spending, according to the Orange County Sports Commission’s newly released annual impact report.

This marks the first year the Orange County Sports Commission (OCSC) has formally measured and reported the collective economic impact of its event portfolio.

In 2025, OCSC supported 70 youth, amateur, collegiate and professional sporting events, significantly increasing hotel stays, dining activity and local business spending across Orange County. The $63.4 million in economic impact reflects direct visitor spending by athletes, families, fans and staff who traveled to Orange County specifically for sports events.

Youth and amateur competitions accounted for 70% of total economic impact, underscoring the growing importance of family-driven sports travel in sustaining Orange County’s year-round visitor economy.

Grassroots sports competitions typically involve multi-day tournaments, larger travel parties and repeat visitation, resulting in longer stays and higher overall spending.

Major OCSC-supported events hosted across the region last year included the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, Hoag Classic, OC Hoops Classic, US Open of Surfing and OC Sports Awards Gala.

“Sports tourism has become a consistent economic engine for Orange County, generating sustained visitor spending that reaches far beyond stadiums by supporting local businesses and creating jobs throughout the region,” said Anthony Brenneman, Executive Director of the Orange County Sports Commission. “Our role is to continue building the relationships, infrastructure and pipeline that position sports tourism as a cornerstone of the region’s broader tourism and economic development.”

In addition to direct economic impact, OCSC-supported events contributed to long-term community social well-being through youth clinics, athlete development programs and partnerships that expanded access to sport.

The full report is available at www.ocsportscommission.org/about-us/annual-report.

Full Press Release

Orange County Sports Commission Announces Inaugural OC Sports Awards Gala at Angel Stadium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2025, Anaheim, CA

The Orange County Sports Commission announced today the inaugural Orange County Sports Awards Gala, set to honor the region's outstanding athletic talent. The Gala event will take place at the iconic Angel Stadium on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

This prestigious evening will celebrate the accomplishments of athletes, coaches, and sports figures who have significantly impacted Orange County's sports community.

The awards ceremony will highlight excellence in various categories:

Male High School Athlete of the Year
Female High School Athlete of the Year
Male College Athlete of the Year
Female College Athlete of the Year
Male Professional Athlete of the Year
Female Professional Athlete of the Year
Rising Star Award
Heart & Hustle
Philanthropist of the Year
Icon Award
Legacy Award
Lifetime Achievement Award

Orange County Sports Commission Announces Inaugural OC Sports Awards Gala at Angel Stadium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2025, Anaheim, CA – The Orange County Sports Commission announced today the inaugural Orange County Sports Awards Gala, set to honor the region's outstanding athletic talent. The Gala event will take place at the iconic Angel Stadium on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. This prestigious evening will celebrate the accomplishments of athletes, coaches, and sports figures who have significantly impacted Orange County's sports community.

The awards ceremony will highlight excellence in various categories:

Male High School Athlete of the Year
Female High School Athlete of the Year
Male College Athlete of the Year
Female College Athlete of the Year
Male Professional Athlete of the Year
Female Professional Athlete of the Year
Rising Star Award
Heart & Hustle
Philanthropist of the Year
Icon Award
Legacy Award
Lifetime Achievement Award

Awards nominations will be open online March 1-31, 2025.

“Home to a population of 3.2M, within that are some of the most famous, talented, and accomplished athletes in the world, including notable Olympians, NFL greats, CIF legends, and NCAA National Champions,” said Anthony Brenneman, Executive Director, Orange County Sports Commission. There are few places in the countrywith this level of athletic prowess, and until now, nobody has collectively celebrated it annually. We are changing that with the OC Sports Awards! A first-of-its-kind formal Gala to remind us and the rest of the country why OC is great! This event not only celebrates athletic achievements but also underscores the spirit of sportsmanship and community involvement."

The Gala will feature a red-carpet entrance, award presentations, and speeches from some of the most influential figures in Orange County sports. Attendees will include athletes, coaches, sports journalists, and fans, creating a night of celebration and networking.

Tickets for the Orange County Sports Awards Gala will be available April 2025 at ocsportsawards.org, The event's proceeds benefit the Orange County Sports Commission, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to continue to support the regions sports initiatives.

For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, or to nominate candidates for the awards, please visit ocsportsawards.org.

Join us in celebrating the heart and soul of Orange County sports at this historic event.

Follow OC Sports Commission on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About the Orange County Sports Commission
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, made up of a collection of destinations, corporate and community partners to improve Orange County’s economic, social, and cultural vitality through sport. OCSC pursues, supports, and attracts sporting events and business opportunities to the county that will positively impact our communities. Economic impact of the sports events brought to Orange County by the Sports Commission have amassed more than $300 million and include NCAA Championships, global conferences such as NAAM, TEAMS, and is home to the county’s largest convention center. For more information visit: www.ocsportscommission.org

Contact:
Amanda Samaan, amanda@revolver-pr.com, (949) 344-8433

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Download the Press Release (PDF)

Orange County Sports Commission Forms Partnership with Orange County Soccer Club

Orange County’s only professional soccer club joins forces with the OC Sports Commission to further cement their roots in the community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2025, Anaheim, California

The Orange County Sports Commission announced today a new partnership with Orange County Soccer Club, the region’s only professional soccer team.

The partnership will offer residents exclusive access to resident-only experiences throughout the season, team gear packages, and ticket giveaways.

The Orange County Sports Commission announced today a new partnership with Orange County Soccer Club, the region’s only professional soccer team.

The partnership will offer residents exclusive access to resident-only experiences throughout the season, team gear packages, and ticket giveaways.

“Working together with the OC Soccer Club to aid in their growth and visibility to international markets is a natural fit. Orange County has long been a global destination for retail, sports, and luxury hospitality and with the new partnership we look forward to bringing new and exciting
opportunities for our fanbase and curating experiences in partnership with OC Soccer Club.”
– Anthony Brenneman, Executive Director, Orange County Sports Commission

Kicking off the partnership the OC Soccer Club is giving away 100 tickets exclusively to the Sports Commission fan base.

“OCSC and OCSC are, of course, a perfect match. Our club ethos is community heart, global vision and joining the OC Sports Commission is another step in cementing the only professional soccer club here as a key player in the Orange County sports community. This part of the world has so much to offer, and we want to play our part, continuing to attract visiting international teams and telling the story of sports in one of the greatest places in the world to live and play.”
– Daniel Rutstein, OC Soccer Club

Residents can claim their tickets for the first 50 registrants at for the March 15th match against Lexington FC at, orangecountysoccer.com/oc-sports-commission-ticket-giveaway/

For more information on the OCSC x OCSC partnership visit ocsportscommission.org.

ABOUT THE ORANGE COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION (OCSC)
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, made up of a collection of destinations, corporate and community partners to improve Orange County’s economic, social, and cultural vitality through sport. OCSC pursues, supports, and attracts sporting events and business opportunities to the county that will positively impact our communities. Economic impact of the sports events brought to Orange County by the Sports Commission have amassed more than $300 million and include NCAA Championships, global conferences such as NAAM, TEAMS, and is home to the county’s largest convention center. For more information visit: www.ocsportscommission.org

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB
Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is Orange County’s only professional soccer team and a founding member of the United Soccer League (USL). It was purchased by Club owner and Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, James Keston, in 2017. OCSC, which plays its home games at the 5,500-seat Orange County Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA, won its first USL Championship title in 2021. OCSC is dedicated to being the leader in professional player development in the United States, providing a pathway to professional soccer and to the top leagues around the world. OCSC, alongside its sister organization, the 501c3 Orange County Soccer Club Community Foundation, are committed to creating a world-class soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players, and youth
clubs of Orange County. For more information, visit orangecountysoccer.com and uslsoccer.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Amanda Samaan, Revolver PR, amanda@rvlrpr.com | 949-344-8433

Download the Press Release (PDF)