Abstract

The economic impact of the Kenosha Kingfish amateur baseball team on Kenosha County is estimated by determining the team's influence on employment, output,  and other industry variables within the county.  The Kenosha Kingfish were founded in 2013 and have quickly become one of the most popular summer collegiate baseball teams in the United States, winning the Northwoods League Championship in 2015.  Data was gathered through interviews with Kingfish executives as well as by the use of the RIMS II input-output model. Using regional benchmark multipliers for the “spectator sports” industry as well as mapping agglomeration effects, employment, income, and other effects were estimated.  Finally, estimates of exogenous spending by baseball tourists from outside the county were  made to determine the impact this tourism has on the local economy.