Woodchucks Highlight Economic Contributions to Local Community
Wausau, WI – The Woodchucks drew over 45,000 fans to Athletic Park during the 2024 season, generating a significant economic boost for the Wausau area, contributing over $3.75 million in economic impact.
Approximately 7% of attendees were from out of state, hailing from 30 different states, with most coming from neighboring Minnesota, followed by Illinois. Additionally, over nine percent of Wisconsin fans came from beyond the Wausau Metro area, including fans from north of Highway 8 and towns of rival Northwoods League teams. Out-of-town visitors often spent money at local restaurants and stayed in local hotels, adding to the area’s revenue.
The Woodchucks employed a core staff of five full-time employees, along with 22 interns, 75 game-day workers, and several Community Service Officers during the 2024 season. In total, these jobs contributed more than $501,000 in labor income. Many teens from the Wausau area found their first jobs with the Woodchucks, with nine new workers joining the workforce for the first time this season.
A total of 87 college baseball players passed through Wausau to play for the Woodchucks, most coming from outside the region, further enhancing the local economy with their presence and spending.
In addition to bringing in visitors, the Woodchucks supported local businesses by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, including stadium signage, apparel, concessions, and transportation. These partnerships infused the Wausau economy with $507,119 in 2024.
The team also generated more business for local hotels by booking 189 hotel rooms for visiting teams and umpires.
The Woodchucks contributed further by paying $134,031.83 in taxes, rent, and usage fees at the city, local, and state levels in 2024.
With the addition of JBA Clutch Baseball & Softball, the organization expanded its impact by utilizing local fields for practice, partnering with local vendors for gear, and offering approximately 200 young athletes high-level baseball and softball opportunities.
The Woodchucks are excited to continue supporting the local economy in the coming years.
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The Wausau Woodchucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 360 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit woodchucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Woodchucks as your favorite team.
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