Grand Rapids Business Journal

West Michigan saw a 76.1% drop in visitor spending and a 54.5% decrease in sports events in 2020 compared to 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the West Michigan Sports Commission’s sports tourism economic impact report.

After more than a year off the field, the West Michigan Whitecaps will begin their 2021 season on the road against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on May 4.

Amway River Bank Run organizers announced the 2021 event was moved to Oct. 23.

The recreational trail at Indian Trails Golf Course is now open daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. for fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, weather permitting.

Momentum continues to bring more Michiganders into the world of online gambling and sports betting after it was legalized a few weeks ago.

LANSING — A ban on popular high school winter sports was lifted Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration, days after frustrated parents and anxious teens rallied at the Capitol to try to persuade officials that basketball, wrestling and hockey could safely take place during the coronavirus pandemic.

The name of the West Michigan Whitecaps’ stadium was changed to LMCU Ballpark.

Kentwood’s fourth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 13 beginning and ending at East Paris Nature Park, 5995 East Paris Ave. SE.

The groundbreaking for a new $3.3 million locker room facility on Hope College’s athletic complex took place earlier this week.

The Grand Rapids Drive will forgo the NBA G League’s 2020-21 season to focus on its 2021-22 season, which will include a new affiliation.

The Grand Rapids Griffins will drop the puck on the 2020-21 American Hockey League season Feb. 5.

Maybe you don’t need a team to play the game of football.

The Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5K race will resume in 2022.

LANSING — Lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to bills that would clear the way for college athletes to be paid for the use of their names, images or likeness rights — putting Michigan on the cusp of becoming at least the fourth state with such a law.

The West Michigan Whitecaps will become the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in 2021.

The Grand Rapids Griffins are teaming up with J&H Family Stores, Billy Bear Hug Foundation, Feeding America West Michigan and The Salvation Army to host a drive-thru Teddy Bear Toss & Holiday Drive from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park.

LANSING — Michigan casinos could launch online sports betting and gambling games in December once state lawmakers waive the remaining time they have to review proposed licensing rules.

Alpha Human Performance, a sports performance center, opened after the governor’s stay-home order halted owners Daimond and Regina Dixon’s plans for their grand opening in April.

Michigan hunters have new technology on their side this deer season.

The game of golf has been a generational sport in Jimmy Wisinski’s family. His father and grandfather were golf professionals and Wisinski has followed in their footsteps.

EAST LANSING — Merritt Norvell Jr., the first Black athletic director at Michigan State, has died. He was 79.

BROOKLYN — The new coronavirus has knocked down the pins at a Michigan bowling alley.

After initially being postponed to October, the 2020 Amway River Bank Run now will be held virtually.

A professional esports organization in California signed an exclusive provider deal with Herman Miller and Logitech G to make their ergonomic gaming chair the official chair for its players.

The Detroit Pistons agreed to purchase the Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns, but that won’t change the Grand Rapids Drive’s decision to stay in Grand Rapids.