Rockford officials except up to $5 million in economic benefits from four new sports tournaments set for next year in the region.

Rockford officials except up to $5 million in economic benefits from four new sports tournaments set for next year in the region.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the additions of four large-scale tournaments to take place at three area venues, including the new downtown UW UW Health Sports Factory.

“We have secured some of the largest tournaments we’ve ever hosted – to date – in the Rockford region,” said Nick Povalitis, RACVB Sports Destination & Sales Manager.

“This is a direct result of the commitment to give our partners the exceptional experience they should expect from a sports destination.”

New events include:

• 2017 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships at BMO Harris Bank Center (Feb. 23 – 25, 2017).
• Amateur Athletic Union Midwest Regional Gymnastics Championships, UW Health Sports Factory,(May 5 – 7, 2017).
• Premier SuperCopa Championships, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, Loves Park,(June 9 – 12, 2017).
• Elite Clubs National Playoffs, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, Loves Park,(June 22 – 27, 2017).

The four events are projected to bring 22,500 visitors to the region.

“Rockford is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Chicago,” said Dawn Simpson, U90C Executive Director, manager of the SuperCopa soccer tourney. “In addition to the impressive soccer facilities, there are multiple family-oriented activities being arranged by the local Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Rockford Park District for SuperCopa families.”

The RACVB credits a strong relationship with the Rockford Park District and BMO Harris Bank Center helped to secure these events to the region.

The U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in February at BHO Harris Bank Center is expected to draw 96 teams and 5,000 visitors who are expected to use 3,500 room nights and have a $630,000 economic impact.

AAU Midwest Regional Gymnastics Championships in May at the UW Health Sports Factory is projected to attract between 400-500 athletes from throughout the region and up to 1,500 visitors. It’s expected to have an economic impact of $87,300.

The Premier SuperCopa Soccer Tournament in June at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park is expected to feature 92 boys teams and 64 girls team with 6,000 total visitors expected. Visitors are projected to us up to 10,000 hotel nights and the tournament is expected to have a $1.8 million economic impact.

Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Playoffs in late June at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two will draw approximately 240 girls teams from youth leagues and up to 10,000 total visitors. That translates into 14,00 hotel room nights and a $2.5 million economic impact.

— Rockford region raises its game with four new tournaments —