Miryang City Targets ‘Stay-Over Sports City’ Status to Drive Regional Economic Growth

Miryang City is aggressively pivoting its regional development strategy to become a stay-over sports city, a model designed to attract athletes and spectators who remain in the city for extended periods rather than visiting for single-day events. By integrating high-capacity sports hosting with local tourism, the city aims to generate significant economic momentum and increase its visibility on the national stage.

According to local reports, the city’s strategic focus on sports tourism is projected to draw approximately 380,000 visitors annually. This influx of athletes, coaches and fans is expected to create an economic impact of 35.4 billion won, providing a vital boost to local businesses, hospitality services, and infrastructure.

The Badminton Blueprint: A Pillar of Sports Marketing

A central component of Miryang’s success in sports marketing has been its commitment to badminton. The city has established itself as a premier destination for the sport by hosting more than eight national competitions every year. This consistent scheduling ensures a steady stream of visitors throughout the competitive calendar.

To complement these events, Miryang operates a city-run semi-professional team. This investment serves a dual purpose: it elevates the city’s prestige within the sporting community and provides a professional foundation that enhances the quality of the tournaments hosted locally. For the global reader, this “stay-over” approach means that instead of a quick tournament turnaround, the city encourages teams to utilize local lodging and dining, maximizing the financial benefit to the community.

University Baseball and the Evolution of the President’s Cup

Baseball remains a critical target for the city’s sports expansion efforts. Within the landscape of Korean collegiate athletics, the Korea University Baseball Federation (KUBF) oversees prestigious events that draw significant attention from scouts and fans alike, most notably the President’s Cup National University Baseball Championship.

The President’s Cup has recently undergone significant structural changes to optimize the competitive experience for student-athletes. In 2024, the tournament transitioned into a league format, categorized as the “Summer League,” in conjunction with the National University Baseball Championship. This shift was designed to provide more consistent game play and development opportunities for the players.

However, the competition is set to return to its traditional roots in 2025. The KUBF has announced that the event will return to a full tournament format, scheduled to take place from August 6 to August 18, 2025. To increase the tournament’s reach and prestige, the finals will be broadcast on MBC SPORTS+, offering the university players a high-profile platform to showcase their skills before professional scouts.

Key Tournament Details: President’s Cup National University Baseball Championship

Strategic Implications for Regional Sports Tourism

The transition toward a stay-over sports city reflects a broader trend in regional development where municipalities move away from “one-off” events in favor of sustainable, recurring sports ecosystems. By focusing on sports like badminton and baseball—which require multi-day commitments and team travel—Miryang can ensure a more stable economic return.

The management of these events is further professionalized through the KUBF’s partnerships. For instance, records show that the KUBF has entered into a five-year agreement with Taebaek City for the President’s Cup, illustrating how long-term partnerships between governing bodies and cities are essential for the stability of national championships.

For athletes, these developments mean better facilities and more consistent scheduling. For the city of Miryang, the goal is to transform sports from a mere recreational activity into a primary driver of urban revitalization and economic sustainability.

Key Takeaways for the Sports Industry

• Economic Target: Miryang aims for 380,000 annual visitors and a 35.4 billion won economic impact.
• Badminton Strength: Hosting 8+ national events annually and maintaining a semi-pro team.
• Baseball Shift: The President’s Cup returns to a tournament format in August 2025 after a brief period as a league.
• Broadcasting Reach: Increased media visibility via MBC SPORTS+ for the 2025 university baseball finals.

As Miryang continues to refine its sports infrastructure, the city’s ability to attract high-profile national tournaments will be the primary metric of its success. The next major checkpoint for the university baseball circuit will be the implementation of the 2026 KUSF University Baseball U-League regulations and the upcoming August 2025 tournament window.

Do you perceive the “stay-over” model is the most effective way for smaller cities to boost their economy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.