Increased community interest in sporting events, uncertain economic periods, and accountability of city government spending can increase the need for more awareness of potential economic impact of sports tournaments on host communities. There has been increased research devoted to determining the economic impacts athletic events have on regions, states and cities. This study considers previous empirical studies in U.S. cities concerned with measuring the economic impact of athletic events and uses those as a model to assess the economic impact of such events in a mid-southern community. It also points out common mistakes when conducting economic impact studies on sports. This study indentifies practices for conducting economic impact assessment and applies these lessons in an empirical assessment of recent athletic events in a particular mid-southern community. The findings indicate that true and positive economic numbers can result from hosting youth sporting events, but a greater number of visitors are necessary to achieve a statistically significant economic impact on the host community.