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As the calendar inches closer to the highly-anticipated start of the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey season, Visit Anaheim, the city’s official destination organization, is polishing its playbook to capture an emerging trend that’s sweeping across America: the meteoric rise of sports tourism. A recent national survey conducted by Visit Anaheim shows that a staggering 45% of American sports fans are willing to jet-set across international borders to watch their favourite teams play, planning vacations around such sporting events. The data propels Anaheim into a new economic stratosphere, where the love of sports and the art of travel meld seamlessly into a lucrative industry.

The Ducks’ preseason match against the Los Angeles Kings on September 24, followed by the regular season home opener against the Hurricanes on October 15, is not just a regional rivalry—it’s now a global spectacle. This occasion holds an extra layer of significance as the Ducks’ home stadium, the Honda Center, celebrates its 30th anniversary. Marking the milestone, a concert headlined by multi-platinum award-winning artist Gwen Stefani is set for September 7.

But the attention isn’t solely on the athletes and entertainers. New research has revealed that fans are taking their dedication to new heights, with 35% actively planning holidays centred around their sports schedule. They are digging deep into their pockets, shelling out an average of $762.20 for tickets alone. “Sports venues are no longer filled with locals and home team fans. There’s a global community building,” notes Jay Burress, President & CEO of Visit Anaheim.

The survey further delves into the psyche of American sports enthusiasts. While 52% faithfully follow every match their favoured team plays, a notable 42% are indiscriminate aficionados, consuming any sport that’s on. Contrastingly, 40% might have a broad interest in sports but are only fully engaged when their preferred teams are in action.

“Events featuring the Ducks against regional teams like the LA Kings or the Angels playing drive-market teams like the San Francisco Giants are effectively turning sports fans into bona fide tourists,” Burress adds. The appeal goes far beyond the confines of the stadium. Fans’ expenditures also boost local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to other attractions.

Anaheim, known for its diverse sporting venues and events, is capitalizing on this uptick in sports tourism. The autumn season in Anaheim is not just about the Ducks and hockey. Parks morph into Halloween havens starting mid-September, and this year, the city’s Fall Parade celebrates its centenary on October 28. All these events make Anaheim an irresistibly eclectic destination for domestic and international travellers.

The message is clear: Anaheim is transforming from just another sunny California city to a mecca of sports tourism. As fans across the globe descend upon Anaheim to cheer on their beloved Ducks, they will find that the city offers more than just a game—a whole new world-class vacation experience.

For the complete list of experiences Anaheim offers, from sporting events to other seasonal attractions, visit visitanaheim.org.