ROCK SPRINGS (WNE)  — It hasn’t been a dull year for the Sweetwater Events Complex.

The events complex generated an economic impact of $18,429,218 in 2023 —  a 15% increase from 2022, according to its director Kandi Pendleton.

The increase was due to direct visitor spending, said Pendleton, who presented positive numbers to the Sweetwater County Board of Commissioners at its recent meeting.

“We strive to be an economic engine for Sweetwater County,” she said, noting that the staff does its best to make sure locals and visitors have a positive experience when they’re on the grounds. “I’m really proud of that number, and we certainly hope that will grow.”

Pendleton expressed confidence that the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) will have a positive impact on Sweetwater County for the next two years, saying that the current number will skyrocket.

The event will bring 1,800 contestants and 500 volunteers.

Regular events bring about half of the $18.4 million in revenue, about $9 million in economic impact.

Regular overnight stays have brought in $1 million, Pendleton said.

Another  $2.4 million was generated through the historic horse racing, with half of it going to Sweetwater County and the other half split between the cities of Rock Springs and Green River, she explained.

After detailing the annual events the complex hosts and the revenue each produced in 2023, Pendleton added that last year, it had 15, 366 overnight campers on the grounds.

Based on data collected by Wyoming Travel and Tourism, people typically spend $215 on a nightly stay.

The camp sites alone brought in $3.3 million in revenue to Sweetwater County.