US Travel wants to play ball with Canadians. And hockey. Plus, all the other sports and entertainment offerings, like concerts (can you say Taylor Swift?). That was the theme for last week’s Discover America Day Canada, an annual accounting of travel affairs south of the border as revealed by a couple of dozen partners ranging from all corners of the country.

On hand was former Toronto Blue Jay Dalton Pompey as a special luncheon guest to support the theme, including an intriguing interview on stage by Elite Sports’ Tim Macdonell that revealed a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a professional baseball player.

Event co-sponsor presenter Jennifer Allinger from Visit Detroit took up the theme and noted that amongst all the city’s increasingly recognized attributes – music, art, food – sports travel is a significant driver of visitations, with fans able to see four pro sports teams – Red Wings, Tigers, Lions and Pistons – not to mention nearby college sports options (Michigan U., Michigan State).

Macdonell pointed out that Summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028, and a number of US cities will host World Cup of Football games in 2026.

On an everyday basis, the US is filled with iconic sporting venues, from Madison Square Garden in New York to baseball stadiums like Fenway Park (Boston), Wrigley Field (Chicago), and Dodgers Stadium (photo), the latter home to new World Series champs, Los Angeles. Most offer unique tours for fans outside of game hours.

At the IPW travel trade show in May, Travel Industry Today had the opportunity to tour Dodgers Stadium at Chavez Ravine, taking in the unique history of the team (before and after its controversial and historic relocation from Brooklyn), as well as seeing trophies, the broadcast booth, and even going down to field level where players were practicing.

Raina Williams, Sr. Manager Canada for Expedia, revealed that 43% of the OTA’s Canadian clients engage in sports travel amongst travel activities when visiting the US, just marginally behind music and “tour tourism” (48%), while events more generally count for 34%.

Discover America Canada president Sue Webb concluded, “Canadians are such amazing fans, as we go to places in the US as fans. And there’s lots of opportunity to travel in the States for sports.”

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