Fort Worth leaders are pleased with the outcomes of All-Star Week, as initial statistics reveal a significant boost for the city.
The Fort Worth Sports Commission reported booking more than 8,000 hotel rooms during the event, accommodating MLB executives, sponsors, fans, and representatives from various franchises.
Jason Sands, executive director of the commission, highlighted their two-year collaboration with MLB to secure the event in Fort Worth. He recounted how showcasing Fort Worth’s attractions, such as the Stockyards, won over MLB officials, leading to the decision to host the MLB Draft at the historic Cowtown Coliseum on Sunday.
“This event at the Cowtown Coliseum was one of the largest we’ve hosted in terms of scale,” Sands noted.
The commission estimated that 20,000 people visited the Stockyards on the day of the draft alone.
Sands emphasized that beyond the immediate impact of All-Star Week, the exposure will have lasting benefits for Fort Worth.
“We hope that viewers who may never have considered Fort Worth will now be inspired to visit after seeing it featured during the draft,” he said.
Tourists like Michael Mendez and his son Parker, visiting from Miami for the All-Star game, expressed their delight at experiencing Fort Worth’s unique culture, including encountering cattle in the streets of the Stockyards.
Ken Powtak, who traveled from Massachusetts for his sixth All-Star Game, extended his stay to immerse himself in Fort Worth’s cowboy culture, finding it a distinct and enjoyable experience compared to his hometown of Boston.
“It’s been amazing to see what makes Texas unique,” Powtak remarked.
