Marbella’s Sporting Events Generate Nearly 100 Million Euros in 2023
In 2023, Marbella hosted over a hundred sporting events, contributing almost 100 million euros to the town’s economy, as reported by Lisandro Vieytes, the councillor for sport. Local clubs and entities played more than 36,000 hours of sport on council-owned courts. Vieytes emphasized the town hall’s dedication to enhancing existing facilities, creating new ones, and supporting local athletes across various disciplines and competitions.
Increased Budget and Sponsorship for 2024
Vieytes revealed that his department’s budget for 2024 exceeds 5.8 million euros, marking a 76% increase from 2023. Sponsorship has also seen an 80% rise, from 811,000 euros in 2023 to over 1.4 million euros for the current year.
International, National, and Regional Events in 2023
Of the 108 events held in 2023, 19 were international, including the Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix, the Billie Jean King Cup tennis qualifier, Ironman 70.3, the World Padel Tour, Marbella Crossfit Championship, Marbella Half Marathon, Marbella Week of Football, Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, and the Solheim Cup gold tournament. The Solheim Cup was the most viewed in the tournament’s history, attracting nearly 90,000 visitors and generating 29.1 million euros for the town.
Upcoming Sports Facilities in Marbella
The town hall is currently constructing nine sports facilities, with an investment of nearly 23 million euros. Four more projects are planned to commence in 2024. The ongoing projects include a karate building in the Río Huelo park, the provisional athletics training track, the Nueva Andalucía social and sports area, Las Chapas swimming pool, La Florida urban park, Parque del Mediterráneo, Serrano Lima sports centre swimming pool, and the new pavilion in the southern area of San Pedro Alcántara.
Improvements and Extensions in 2023
In 2023, the Francisco Norte was extended by 1,700 square meters, the tennis courts at the Paco Cantos sports centre were completely remodelled, and new petanque courts were created in Erik Plan, Las Chapas. Multi-sports courts were also established in the Arroyo de la Represa area, along with the first botifront court in Spain.
Local Athletes and Clubs Shine in 2023
Vieytes highlighted the success of the ‘Marca Marbella’ sponsorship programme for local athletes and clubs, noting that 2023 was a triumphant year with over 50 victories. Among the notable achievements were the bronze medal won by under-18s basketball player Carla Viegas, Ángel Maté’s victory in the sixth stage of the Tour of Portugal, and Juan Antonio ‘Juanan’ Gómez’s second-place finish in the Malaysia Ironman competition.
