Waterloo, Iowa – The Waterloo Bucks have released their 2024 Community & Economic Impact Report after drawing over 53,000 fans to Riverfront Stadium during the 2024 season for Bucks home games, high school contests, and additional corporate events, generating a significant economic boost for the Cedar Valley area.
Bucks games drew fans from 28 different states. Additionally, fans from 31 different Iowa counties traveled to Waterloo for a Bucks game. Out-of-town visitors often spent money at local restaurants and stayed at local hotels, adding to the area’s revenue.
Speaking of restaurants and hotels, the Bucks partnered with 23 different eateries to provide 4,745 individual meals for both visiting teams, the Bucks, and each umpire crew. The Bucks also partnered with three different hotels in the area to house both visiting teams and umpires, totaling in 488 room nights.
During the course of the 2024 season, the Bucks employed 89 full-time and game-day staff, interns, and event staff members. Nearly half of the interns who worked for the Bucks this summer relocated to the area for their internship.
A total of 62 college baseball players passed through Waterloo to play for the Bucks, most coming from outside the region, further enhancing the local economy with their presence and spending.
In addition to bringing in visitors, the Bucks supported local businesses by purchasing goods and services from area vendors, including stadium signage, apparel, concessions, and waste management. These partnerships infused the Cedar Valley economy with the Bucks spending $262,644 with 51 different vendors in 2024.
The Bucks are excited to continue supporting the local economy in the coming years.
The Bucks open their 31st season of play versus the Duluth Huskies at Riverfront Stadium on Monday, May 26. Season Tickets and Coupon Books for the 2025 season are now available by calling the Bucks Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633. Bucks team ownership has invested nearly $500,000 in stadium improvements over the last decade including an LED video board, group outing areas, painted bleachers, public Wi-Fi, sound system, kids zone inflatables, wiffle ball field, and concessions equipment. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com or utilizing the Northwoods League Mobile App.
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The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 360 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Bucks as your favorite team.