Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois

AI may be changing the workplace, but one industry is booming: Leisure & Hospitality.

Recent employment data shows Leisure & Hospitality led all sectors in job growth, reinforcing the value of careers built around experiences, recreation, sport, tourism, and hospitality.

The experience economy isn’t slowing down—it’s growing. 📈

The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism represented well at the annual conference of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), with faculty members and Ph.D. students engaging with scholars and industry professionals from around the world.

NASSM provided opportunities for our faculty and students to share research, exchange ideas, build professional networks, and contribute to important conversations shaping the future of sport management.

Catch up on recent department news, student experiences, faculty accomplishments, alumni updates, and opportunities happening across Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois.

Read the Spring 2026 newsletter - http://go.ahs.illinois.edu/RSTspring26

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour has officially come to an end. 🚎

The final two legs of the journey included visits to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, the historic site of the first NFL game in Dayton, and the The Ohio State Reformatory MRPS, best known as the filming location for The Shawshank Redemption. The final day concluded with Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where students experienced the iconic Kiss the Bricks Tour.

Over the past two weeks, students traveled extensively exploring some of the nation’s most significant sport, recreation, tourism, and cultural destinations. Along the way, they examined how attractions preserve history, shape community identity, create memorable visitor experiences, and generate economic impact.

More importantly, students built friendships, created lasting memories, and gained firsthand experience connecting classroom concepts to real-world recreation, sport, and tourism settings.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour an unforgettable experience. Until next year! 🧡💙

Congratulations to RST alumnus Chris Wurl on being featured in a recent CBS Morning News segment highlighting his nationally recognized work in collegiate sports!

Chris’s commitment to excellence, innovative approach, and contributions to sport performance continue to earn recognition on a national stage. We are proud to see him providing such strong representation of the University of Illinois. 🔗 Link in Bio!

RST Croatia Study Abroad trip continues to provide students with hands-on learning across the recreation, sport, and tourism industries. 🇭🇷✈️

Recent visits included Plitvice Lakes National Park, a meeting with Joško Stella, Deputy Director of the Split Tourist Board, and a tour of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Students also traveled to the island of Brač, where they explored the Olive Oil Museum and learned how cultural heritage can be transformed into a tourism experience.

The group toured the Adriatic Queen production facility to gain insight into Croatia’s seafood industry before enjoying time at Bol Beach, one of the country’s most iconic coastal destinations ☀️

Through each perspective, students explored how natural resources, cultural heritage, local industries, and destination management contribute to successful tourism development.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour made its way to Pittsburgh, a city where industry, sport, arts, and culture intersect.

Students explored how Pittsburgh has transformed from its roots as the “Steel City” into a vibrant destination known for its professional sports, cultural attractions, and unique local identity. Highlights included a tour of Acrisure Stadium, a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum, experiencing the city’s renowned food scene at Primanti Bros., and taking in a game at PNC Park.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour continued with meaningful visits to Gettysburg National Military Park and the Flight 93 National Memorial. 🇺🇸

At Gettysburg, students reflected on one of the most significant battles in U.S. history while exploring how historic sites preserve memory, educate visitors, and shape national identity through tourism and interpretation.

The group also visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew whose courage and sacrifice on September 11, 2001, helped prevent further tragedy.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour made a sweet stop at Hersheypark!

Students explored how Milton Hershey transformed a company town into one of the country’s most recognizable tourism and entertainment destinations with focus on destination development, visitor experience, and the long-term economic impact of attractions on regional tourism.

From roller coasters and arcade games to learning how recreation and entertainment spaces evolve into major tourism drivers, the visit provided another immersive experience connecting classroom concepts to real-world industry operations.

And a special birthday shoutout to Forrest Reyes for celebrating with what may be an RST 180 theme park record — 11 straight baskets at the Hershey arcade! 🏀🎉

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour spent Memorial Day Weekend in Cooperstown, New York, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

While exploring one of the most iconic sport destinations in the country, students examined the role baseball has played in shaping American culture, tradition, tourism, and sport history. Discussions focused on the debated “myth of Abner Doubleday,” Hall of Fame selection criteria, and how athletes’ legacies are preserved and celebrated across generations.

The group also had the opportunity to meet several baseball legends, including Fergie Jenkins, Todd Helton, Tony La Russa, Scott Rolen, Wade Boggs, Jack Morris, and Rollie Fingers, providing students with unique insight into the impact and reach of professional sport.