After hosting many sporting events and the largest gun show in Texas this summer, the city of Bryan reported Legends Event Center brought in $18.2 million in tourism revenue.
The gist
From May to August, the center hosted tentpole events, including:
- Adidas 3SSB Boys Basketball Tournament
- NXTPRO Puma PRO16 National Finals
- Under Armour Futures Basketball
- The Largest Gun Show in Texas
- Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Girls’ Basketball Showcase
According to a news release, Executive Director of Destination Bryan John Friebele said these events brought thousands of visitors, along with generating money for hotels, restaurants and gas stations.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said the center is a major asset for the city and does a lot for the growth of sports tourism.
“This summer’s $18.2 million economic impact is a great example of how strategic investments like Legends continue paying dividends for Bryan,” Gutierrez said in a statement.
The revenue from the center has more than doubled since 2023, according to Destination Bryan data, which is something Legends Event Center’s General Manager Jaime Cox said has to do with the “world-class events” the center hosted this summer.
“Hosting tournaments of this caliber takes more than great facilities; it takes strong partnerships, a dedicated team, and a community that is ready to welcome thousands of athletes, families, coaches and spectators,” Cox said.
The city of Bryan brought $190.1 million in revenue in 2025, with tourism directly supporting 2,300 jobs.
The takeaway
Without the tourism the center draws, the city said the average household would have to spend an extra $5,600 to keep the economy going at its current pace. The center is also estimated to generate an additional $1.8 million from events taking place during the next six weeks.
