This summer may finally be coming to a close but that doesn’t mean people are ready to stop traveling just yet. The end of the summer means the start of the academic year – and with it, the start of the college football season. With Labor Day weekend fast-approaching, Airbnb is reporting a 130% increase in searches for short-term rentals in college football towns.
“This latest trend highlights a desire for ‘event-cations,’ where travelers combine attendance at major events, such as concerts or sporting events,” AirBnb explained in a recent report. “As game day excitement builds, travelers are also opting for unique accommodations that align with their football weekend plans.” Major college football events can often be an economic boon for the surrounding community.
When Houston, Texas hosted the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, the event brought an estimated $200 million into the city, according to . Even games played earlier in the season can draw big crowds and profits for local businesses. When Virginia faced off against Tennessee during last year’s season opener, the city of Nashville raked in $20.
3 million in direct economic impact, according to the . Local officials often see major college sporting events as a tool to bring travelers into their cities who might otherwise not think to visit. “The $20.
3 million generated by the Tennessee vs. Virginia game showcases Nashville’s continued position as a college football hub, highligh.