MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Sports tourism brings in more than $100 million of revenue each year to the Grand Strand and area sports tourism professionals say those numbers continue to grow.

But as events thrive, supporting the industry has meant outdoor facilities in Myrtle Beach have been running in the red; so city council approved increasing the charge for event promoters, to help cut down on the city’s losses.

The increase was brought up at this weeks council workshop, with some worried it will negatively impact some events by making it cost too much for non-profit promoters.

Tim Huber, who heads the city’s sports tourism efforts said there is great competition nation wide and it’s important for the region to continue to build on what it has to make sure it has a bright future.

Huber said the money raised can help pay for additional improvements and it’s those investments that will keep people coming back.

“There has been money set aside in the capital improvement funds to add three more fields here, that would allow us to add more teams, we’re looking to continue to provide a great experience and hopefully continue to grow the inventory we have for rights holders,” said Huber.

The fee increase doesn’t impact the Myrtle Beach Sports Center, an indoor facility that hosts basketball games, volleyball and even archery events.

Industry experts say the sports complex still has room to grow. With an increase in e-sports nationally and a seemingly endless stream of Pokemon Go players; sports tourism leaders say they also want to be ahead of the next wave of video game events.

“One of the things we’re doing right now is seeing if we have the right fit of facilities that those types of events is looking for, the technologies they need, seating capacity. If we’re adding a new event it has to fit, it has to work for the rights holder as well as the city,” said Huber.

The fee increase was passed in June’s budget and goes into effect January 1st, no word on when you might see your first Pokemon Go tournament; but count on News13 to keep you covered.