According to the Illinois Office of Tourism who gauges the economic impact of sporting events, the IHSA football finals held at NIU in DeKalb last November brought in about 1 million dollars for the area.
This estimate includes direct and indirect spending on hotels, food, gas, along with facility rentals, catering and other services.
At least 498 hotel rooms were booked in DeKalb and Sycamore which is 33 more than in 2015 when the championship games were held at NIU.
Rochelle had 140 hotels rooms booked which was 90 more than 2015.
Over 25,000 tickets were sold over the 2 days involving the 8 championship games.
Research done by the Illinois Office of Tourism shows that visitors who book a hotel room average an additional $100 in spending for each guest. Those who do not spend the night average $40 a day per person.
