Spring Sports Bring Impact to Northwest Indiana

Valparaiso University will host the National Lutheran Basketball Championship at the end of March.

An influx of athletes, coaches and families this spring is expected to bring a more than $1 million economic impact to northwest Indiana. The South Shore Convention and Visitors Association says more than 7,500 visitors will arrive in the region through April for a variety of sporting events.

The CVA says out-of-town visitors will bring a total of 5,000 hotel room nights. Facilities throughout the region will host a number of indoor sporting events such as swimming, gymnastics, turf soccer, volleyball, basketball and bowling this spring. Baseball and softball will also hold events beginning this month.

"The economic impact for the South Shore’s spring events exceeds $1.1 million," said Speros Batistatos, chief executive officer of the South Shore CVA. "Athletes and their families will participate in dozens of championships, tournaments and meets at facilities throughout northwest Indiana, dine in local restaurants, shop in our stores and enjoy a number of attractions and special events."

Some of the events taking place this spring include the 2018 NAIA Team Bowling Championships hosted by Calumet College and the 72nd annual Lutheran Basketball Championships hosted by Valparaiso University. The South Shore CVA says the basketball tournament alone will bring nearly 1,000 players to the area for a total of 2,500 hotel room nights.

The South Shore CVA says says the region will host more than 40,000 athletes, coaches and families by the end of the year.