CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.
(November 6, 2026) – The Spanish National Football Team’s World Cup Base Camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee delivered significant economic benefits, international visibility, and lasting opportunities for local businesses throughout the region.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. estimates that Spain's National Team training camp contributed $14.6 million in total economic activity to the local economy, including approximately $8.5 million in direct spending. The estimates were developed using the Event Impact Calculator from Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics.
Beyond the direct economic impact, Chattanooga received unprecedented global exposure through media coverage surrounding the Spanish National Team. Media monitoring and analysis conducted through Meltwater found that coverage of the Base Camp generated approximately $135.8 million in earned media value and reached an estimated 35 billion media impressions worldwide.
Throughout Spain's stay, fans, media members, team personnel, and visiting supporters stayed in local hotels, dined at restaurants, shopped at area retailers, and visited attractions across Hamilton County, delivering measurable benefits to businesses across the hospitality, tourism, retail, dining, and entertainment sectors.
"The Spanish national team being here still just seems like a dream, but the impact they had in Chattanooga was very real and profound," said
Mayor Tim Kelly. “Our return on investment was fantastic. And then to have Chattanooga FC make this championship run has just been amazing. So, I’ve just tried to pinch myself every now and then and enjoy it. It’s been a dream realized to see Chattanooga truly become a soccer city."
The impact of Spain's stay was felt throughout the Chattanooga community. Businesses across the region hosted successful watch parties that drew fans from across the region, with White Duck Taco Shop recording record-breaking sales days and Barlery Chattanooga achieving its strongest monthly sales performance since opening.
That momentum has continued well after Spain's departure. The FIFA-ready training facilities at the Baylor School, which served as Spain's home base during its stay, were later utilized for the TSSAA Girls' Soccer State Championships on Oct. 27-30 and by CFC as it prepared for the postseason.
This weekend, Chattanooga's growing soccer profile will reach another milestone as
CFC hosts the city's first-ever professional national soccer championship, the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup, on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. ET.
Spain's visit also shined an international spotlight on Chattanooga and CFC. The club received coverage from leading Spanish media outlets including MARCA, Diario AS and El Chiringuito, while TV3, Catalonia's largest television network, produced a feature interview with CFC vice-captain Farid Sar-Sar. CFC players Alex Krehl and Georgina Palos were also featured by Diario AS, further elevating Chattanooga's presence on the global soccer stage.
While the economic impact figures demonstrate the scale of Spain's visit, its lasting impact is best reflected in the experiences of the businesses, organizations, and community partners that welcomed players, media, and supporters to Chattanooga.
“There’s something incredibly special about bringing Southern hospitality to the world stage. Welcoming the Spanish National Team to Chattanooga was an extraordinary honor, and seeing them go on to become World Cup champions makes that experience even more meaningful,” said
Mitch Patel, Founder and CEO,
Vision Hospitality Group. “We had the privilege of playing a small part in their journey while introducing our city to an international audience and showcasing the warmth and exceptional service that make Chattanooga so special. I couldn’t be prouder of our associates at Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown, whose dedication and attention to detail helped make this experience possible. Beyond the economic impact, opportunities like this create lasting value for our city and reinforce Chattanooga’s ability to welcome the world.”
“We were honored to welcome the Spanish National Football Team to Riverdance during their stay in Chattanooga for the World Cup, and we’re grateful for the team’s positive impact on our region,” said
Dane Bradshaw, President & COO of
Thunder Enterprises and Riverdance Restaurant. “It was especially rewarding to see several team members return after the rest of their families arrived stateside. Riverdance has become a gathering place for guests from around the world, and it was a privilege to share that hospitality with the team.”
“We enjoyed hosting Team Spain family members and fans at the Aquarium and the energy the World Cup Base Camp brought to Chattanooga,” said
Thom Benson, Vice President andChief Communications & Marketing Officer for the
Tennessee Aquarium. “It was especially gratifying to see the heart-felt “Thank You” video Team Spain produced which reflected the authentic hospitality extended by everyone in the City. It sent a lasting message to the world that Chattanooga is welcoming and delivers a very special experience.”
The success of Spain's Base Camp reinforced Chattanooga's ability to host globally significant events while delivering measurable benefits for residents, businesses, and the local economy.
“Hosting the Spanish national team was an unforgettable experience for Hamilton County,” said
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “Beyond the economic impact, the confidence and inspiration they brought to our community, especially our young athletes, was the most valuable part of their visit.”
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About the City of Chattanooga
Chattanooga, the 4th largest city in the state, is located in Southeast Tennessee near the border of Georgia at the junction of four interstate highways. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown, the redevelopment of its riverfront, its stunning outdoors assets, and its municipal broadband network (EPB) that offers the world’s fastest internet. Chattanooga.gov
About Hamilton County
Hamilton County is located in Southeast Tennessee along the Georgia border and is home to more than 380,000 residents. Anchored by the City of Chattanooga, the county serves as a regional hub for economic development and outdoor recreation. As Tennessee's fourth-largest county, Hamilton County is nationally recognized for its scenic natural assets, strong public education, and commitment to public safety, quality of life, and investing in future generations. Learn more at www.HamiltonTN.gov
About Baylor School
Founded in 1893, Baylor School is an independent, coed, day and boarding school serving students in grades 6–12. Located on a 690-acre campus along the Tennessee River in
Chattanooga, Tenn., Baylor is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, athletics, outdoor education, and a commitment to its mission of fostering in students the desire and ability to make a positive difference in the world.
Baylor combines strong classroom foundations with distinctive opportunities to dive deeper into areas of concentrated study. For example, Baylor’s Leading Programs allow students to pursue specialized pathways including the
Research Scholars Program, where students engage in extended inquiry and present work at collegiate-level symposia; the
Global Scholars Program, which includes immersive world language study, exchange partnerships, and travel experiences; and the
Civic Scholars Program, designed to develop leadership and community engagement in real-world settings.
Baylor’s athletic program supports competitive participation across 17 sports and 74 teams, with facilities and coaching that rival many colleges and a tradition of winning state championships.
Baylor’s comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, leading programs, nationally recognized athletics, and vibrant boarding experience prepare students to excel in college and lead with integrity in a global society.
About Vision Hospitality Group
Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Vision Hospitality Group was founded in 1997 by Mitch Patel. With a diverse portfolio encompassing over 42 hotels affiliated with esteemed brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and InterContinental, Vision Hospitality Group continues to push the boundaries of hospitality excellence. For more information, please visit vhghotels.com.
About Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Hamilton County, dedicated to sustainably increasing visitation and connecting guests with authentic Chattanooga experiences. The organization strengthens the local economy and enriches the community by establishing Chattanooga as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, events, and leisure travel. Hamilton County welcomes more than 11.5 million visitors annually, who generate an economic impact of $1.9 billion. This visitor spending contributes $193 million in local and state tax revenue, saving each resident household $1,251 in taxes and supporting more than 30,000 jobs.
VisitChattanooga.com
About The Sports & Events Corporation
The Sports & Events Corporation (TSEC) is the regional sports commission serving Hamilton County, Tennessee, and the surrounding region. TSEC harnesses the power of sports for connection, growth, and regional pride. As trusted leaders and bold innovators, we deliver world-class sports and event experiences that unite our community, foster trust, and generate enduring positive impact. www.SportsandEventsCorp.com
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
City of Chattanooga
Stephanie Cepak
Press Secretary - Office of the Mayor
mayorpress@chattanooga.gov
517-862-2036
Hamilton County
Jordan Karnbach
Press Secretary - Office of the County Mayor
jordank@hamiltontn.gov
561-906-1642
Baylor School
Barbara Kennedy
Director of External Affairs
bkennedy@baylorschool.org
423-757-2897
Vision Hospitality Group
Lori Jenkins
Regional Director of Sales / Chattanooga Downtown
ljenkins@vhghotels.com
423-954-0972
Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Dawn Kimberlin
Communications Manager
dawnk@chattanoogatourism.com
(907) 360-4874
The Sports & Events Corporation
Hannah Hammon
President | GOH Communications
hannah@gohcommunications.com
(256) 996-5788
