Statesmen Provides Large Economic Impact to Community

Oskaloosa–William Penn University is a proud member of the Oskaloosa community and is excited to continue to grow its economic footprint.

Despite competing in fewer events and in front of smaller crowds during the global pandemic, WPU still hosted well over 100 athletic competitions during the 2020-2021 academic year. Those home events accounted for an estimated economic impact of $453,000 for the Oskaloosa community.

In addition to normal outings, the University also hosted a women’s volleyball tournament, the school’s first-ever bowling tournament, a trio of outdoor track and field meets, and the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship for men’s wrestling. In recent years, William Penn has also been the host site for an NAIA National Championship Opening Round tournament for men’s soccer, while bringing in teams for conference tournaments as well.

Of the $453,000, an estimated $191,000 came from participants and $262,000 came via fans from outside the surrounding area. Oskaloosa eating establishments received $230,000, while lodging collected $120,000.

The impact was considerably smaller due to COVID-19 restrictions that limited both travel rosters as well as venue capacities. It is estimated that during a non-pandemic year, William Penn’s impact from the past school year would have been over $1,000,000.

Data was gathered throughout the year using surveys and information from individuals who purchased tickets at events, while using data from different economic impact studies and information from economic development groups on average spending per visitor.

“We are a proud member of this community and have hosted more home events than ever before in the last two seasons,” William Penn Athletics Director Nik Rule said. “We will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to be a key contributor to tourism in Oskaloosa and an asset to the economic strength of our local businesses.”