Business
Track meet cancellation could cost La Crosse economy $2m
For the first time in 30 years, La Crosse will not be hosting the state high school track meet in June.
That’s because the WIAA has cancelled the entire Wisconsin track and field season.
Explore La Crosse director A.J. Frels says the local tourism industry will take a big hit from not having the track meet this year.
But he also feels sorry for the track athletes and their families, who won’t get to experience a state championship event.
Frels says the track meet usually brings at least $2 million in visitor spending to the area, and besides that, people visiting the meet like to return to La Crosse on later trips.
Frels also tells WIZM that 60 conventions and meetings set for La Crosse have been cancelled since the outbreak of COVID-19.