Bowling Tourney to Boost South Bend
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA regional bowling event that begins this weekend is expected to pump nearly $2 million into the St. Joseph County economy. Visit South Bend says the United States Bowling Congress Midwest Women's Tournament could attract more than 4,000 bowlers from 30 states and Canada. May 21, 2014
News Release
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – More than 4,000 bowlers will make their way to South Bend over the next six weekends. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Midwest Women's Tournament is being held in Indiana for the first time, with 932 teams coming from 30 states, plus Canada.
Competition is set to take place at Chippewa Bowl every weekend from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, June 29. Over the course of the tournament, visitors to the community are expected to spend $1.99 million.
“South Bend was the logical choice as Indiana's host location,” says Judy Smith, president of the Indiana State USBC Women's Bowling Association. “The city is geographically convenient for the six state organizations hosting the Midwest Tournament, and we can't thank the St. Joe Valley board of directors and volunteers enough for all the work they’ve done to get to this day.”
Local hosts of the tournament include the St. Joe Valley USBC Association and Indiana State USBC Bowling WBA. The official kick-off of the tournament takes place this Saturday, with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:30am at Chippewa Bowl. Several local business leaders will be on-hand to welcome the competitors to the community, and officially begin the tournament with the rolling of the first ball. The opening ceremony and all six weekends of competition are open to the public.
“This tournament showcases the proud tradition of and support for bowling in our community through the efforts of our many volunteers and the board of directors of the St. Joe Valley USBC Bowling Association,” states Kevin Kubsch, president of the St. Joe Valley USBC Bowling Association.
All economic impact quantities were calculated using the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Event Impact Calculator. All information is based on local market size and other information specific to St. Joseph County to generate the most accurate numbers possible.
“We have spent two years planning this tournament, and no one really knew what the turnout would be,” says Carolyne Wallace, director of sales for Visit South Bend Mishawaka. “We are overjoyed to see so many bowlers joining this competition, and even more excited to showcase our community to such a large group!”
Source: Visit South Bend