SportsEvents Media Group announced the winners of the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, with nominees submitted by the Erie Sports Commission earning recognition in three categories. Marc Costanza of TCS Hockey earned second place for Emerging Sports Events Planner, the Major League Fishing Challenge Cup received third place for Best Live or Virtual Sporting Event, and Erie Sports Center was honored with third place for All-Star Multi-Purpose Sports Venue or Complex.
Costanza has distinguished himself as a leading sports event organizer through his work with TCS Hockey. Since 2022, TCS Hockey has hosted two annual tournaments in Erie bringing thousands of players to the region. To date, Costanza has organized nine tournaments in Erie, drawing over 5,000 participants and generating nearly 10,000 hotel room nights, resulting in an estimated economic impact of $5 million.
In August 2024, Erie proudly welcomed the Major League Fishing General Tire Team B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup. The prestigious tournament featured top anglers competing in Presque Isle Bay, with six days of competition live-streamed, totaling over 40 hours of coverage. The event was broadcast on the Outdoor Channel from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8, resulting in 72 hours of coverage and an anticipated audience of six million viewers.
The Erie Sports Center has emerged as a top-tier regional facility, offering world-class amenities for a wide range of sports. The venue has successfully hosted major tournaments, including Lax Bash, USA Ultimate, Spikeball, Midwest Gaelic Athletic Association events, soccer and rugby.
“It’s an honor to see Erie recognized on a national stage for the hard work and dedication of our sports tourism community,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “These awards highlight the tremendous efforts put forth by event organizers and venues to bring sporting events to our region. Erie continues to establish itself as a premier destination for sports tourism, and we are excited to build on this momentum.”
To read the full SportsEvents 2025 Readers Choice Awards issue, visit: https://sportseventsmediagroup.com/publications/de/202502/?oly_enc_id=3136A9765701B1X .
