A few years ago, it was the cicadas. Every year, mosquitos are a bother. This year, the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest, is disrupting tourism, including sports tourism. It doesn't bite or sting but the swarms are distracting to players and spectators. At a recent home game for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the on-field action was upstaged by bugs.

The pressure has been building for event owners to offer only tournament merchandise, including shirts and ball caps (as well as anything else), that is American made. It's a great goal and the good news is that the FTC has been cracking down on unethical manufacturers and sellers who falsely claim foreign-made products were "Made in the USA."

Lacrosse will be making its long-awaited Olympic debut as a showcase sport in Los Angeles in 2028. Want to host some high-level college action during the buildup to that event? NAIA is ready to open the RFP for its Women's Lacrosse National Championship for 2026 and 2027. Get set to hit the ground running with everything you need to know at this link.

We know sports tourism is a $128 billion industry, and we know you have played a role in building that number. Our question to you is this: Don't you want some recognition for it? Now is your chance to enjoy some well-deserved time in the spotlight. SDM has opened nominations for its 2024 awards program, Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism.

If the concept of Olympic breakdancing has made many in the USA take a step back and scratch their heads, it's time to put things in perspective with this review of a few wild and completely real sports being contested today. From fire soccer to ear pulling to chess boxing to a lot more, it's clear the world of sports is not only wide, it's weird.

For sports facilities, nothing is more versatile than a well-maintained field. It can play host to myriad sports and activities and accommodate hundreds, or even thousands, of spectators and family members. From soccer, football, field hockey and lacrosse, to rugby and more, these locations offer fields that can host anything you may need.