Local Teams Contribute to Local Economy in 2025

Wausau, WI – Central Wisconsin Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Wausau Woodchucks, Wausau Ignite, and JBA Clutch Travel Baseball & Softball, is pleased to report that during the 2025 season, the operations of the organization contributed a $5 million economic impact.

During the Woodchucks and Ignite seasons, over 53,000 fans visited Athletic Park. Fans came from 32 states and 4 different countries. Visitors from outside the area frequently spent money at local restaurants and hotels, boosting community revenue.

This season, CWSE employed a staff of eight full-time employees along with 36 interns and 110 Game Day Staff to operate the ballpark efficiently and provide the best possible fan experience. At each game, Community Service Officers from the Wausau Police Department ensured Athletic Park was safe for all fans. Each team had 3-4 coaches to lead them through the season. This season, 22 new employees joined the workforce for the first time and contributed to the total labor income of $985,000.

In addition to the 74 college baseball players that played for the Woodchucks this summer, 28 college softball players spent their summer in Wausau. The 102 athletes strengthened the local economy with their spending. Umpires and visiting teams were booked at local hotels totaling to 424 rooms during the Ignite and Woodchucks seasons.

The Ignite, Woodchucks and JBA Clutch always seek to support local businesses and vendors. These goods and services include stadium signage, merchandise and apparel, food and beverage, and transportation. Through partnerships with local businesses, $523,000 flowed back into the Wausau community during the 2025 seasons.

Beyond their other contributions, the teams provided approximately $125,000 in 2025 through taxes, rent, and usage fees across city, local, and state levels.

JBA Clutch Baseball and Softball continued to grow in 2025, with nearly 200 youth athletes competing in high-level games and tournaments across the state and country. The teams use local practice fields and facilities, purchase gear from local vendors, and support other local organizations. This season, the Woodchucks and Ignite welcome each team to a game at Athletic Park to commemorate their hard work during their summer seasons.

Supporting the local economy remains a priority for the Woodchucks, Ignite, and JBA Clutch, and they’re excited to keep that commitment in the future.

###

The Wausau Woodchucks 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’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 400 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford 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, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com) and ESPN+. For more information, visit www.woodchucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Woodchucks as your favorite team.

Leveraging the 31-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League beginning play in the Upper Midwest in the summer of 2024. The purpose of the League will be to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play. Teams will be promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment.