News

The 2024 CHL Memorial Cup hosted by Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan has been honored with the Sports ETA’s Event of the Year Award for destinations with populations under 500,000. The award celebrates initiatives with deep community impact beyond economic returns.
 
This landmark event brought the Memorial Cup back to U.S. soil in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region for the first time in 26 years, generating a $40 million economic impact and over $500,000 in media value. Importantly, it led to major accessibility upgrades in Saginaw, including a $1 million elevator project.
 
“Go Great Lakes Bay delivered an event that was both historic and deeply meaningful for the community,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Their focus on long-term accessibility and inclusion is exactly what this award represents.”
 
Tim Shelton, Director of Sports Tourism for Go Great Lakes Bay stated, “We are proud to share this award with the Saginaw Spirit, the Canadian Hockey League, the sponsors and the many local organizers and volunteers that made this happen.  It’s truly a community award. We are honored by this recognition and grateful for the spotlight on the Great Lakes Bay Region’s successful approach to hosting a world class event.
 
The impact is deeply rooted in our community and the legacy work is an inspiration to us all."
  
Sports ETA Member Awards are presented by Team Travel Source.
 
About Sports ETA:
As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports event owners. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 700 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. We promise to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members to protect the integrity of the sports events and tourism industry.  For more information, visit SportsETA.org. 
 
About Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan
Go Great Lakes Bay is a regional convention and visitors bureau focused on promoting tourism in the Great Lakes Bay region, a six-city area, representing Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties in Michigan. 

The Great Lakes Bay region offers over 5,000 hotel rooms and is easily accessible from Detroit, making it a convenient and appealing location for planners hosting meetings, sports events, group tours, or family gatherings. The area is rich in waterfronts, walkable downtowns, and unique local experiences, providing the perfect backdrop for events and leisure. Additionally, the region hosts significant sports events, including fishing tournaments and an LPGA invitational, showcasing its sporty charm and competitive spirit.