(Flint, Mich., 04/08/2026) — The first three months of 2026 saw a huge economic impact in the region, thanks to the events booked and serviced by Explore Flint & Genesee. The local convention & visitor bureau, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group and contracted by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, helped attract and retain 23 events from January to March 2026, resulting in an economic impact of over $2.5M.Major events in the first quarter included OHL Western Conference Playoffs at the Dort Financial Center, the NJCAA Region 12 District Great Lakes Tournament at Mott Community College’s Ballinger Fieldhouse, and the Blizzard Blast Gymnastics Meets at Dort Financial Center.
Additionally, in early spring, the Flint City Bucks hosted the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Forward Madison at Grand Blanc High School’s Don Batchelor Field, which generated over $300,000 in impact. With a win in that competition, the Bucks hosted round two at the same field against the local Michigan soccer team, the Detroit City FC, on April 1.
“Explore Flint & Genesee played a critical role in helping to secure two U.S. Open Cup matches in Genesee County. Amari, Tony, and the entire team lobbied for our bid to host the tournament, and U.S. Soccer listened,” says Costa Papista, president of the Flint City Bucks. “Two consecutive hosting opportunities is a big deal, and we could not have done it without the support of Explore Flint & Genesee.”
Looking ahead to the second quarter, major events include the Vehicle City Soccer Classic Girls’ Soccer in May, the FireStix College Exposure Tournament in June, and the Michigan Assessor’s Association Annual Conference in July.
According to studies on the local multiplier effect, money spent at locally owned independent businesses recirculates within a community between three and seven times. The economic impact of events booked in Genesee County continues to have a lasting effect on Flint & Genesee’s economy.
About Explore Flint & Genesee
Explore Flint & Genesee, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, is the destination marketing organization for Flint and Genesee County. As a convention and visitors bureau, Explore Flint & Genesee serves all tourism needs, including conventions, sporting events, association meetings, leisure, and business travel. For more information, visit ExploreFlintandGenesee.org, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
