Participants in last weekend’s National Collegiate Table Tennis Regionals at Flodin Boys and Girls Club sign in for competition. Below, among last summer’s events was softball competition at Sportscore II. (Winnebago Chronicle photos)

New sports and recreation events coming to the Rockford area over the next two years are expected to generate a $2.6 million economic impact.

The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the addition of 11 sports tournaments and two special events that will take place in the region in 2015 and 2016.

Collectively, participants, coaches and fans that travel to the region for the tournaments will impact the region to an estimated tune of $2.6 million during their stays.

The 13 new events make up just a fraction of the expected economic impact from anticipated events booked in 2015 by the RACVB.

In 2014, there were 300 total events booked, resulting in 102,721 room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $16 million.

“Announcing these 13 Big Wins is a great way to kick-off the RACVB activities for 2015,” said John Groh, RACVB President and CEO. “What we are really excited about is the diversity of these events and that we have secured several new events for the region to go along with our long-term partner events.”

The announcement was made at the Flodin Boys & Girls Club in Rockford, which will host the 2015 National Collegiate Table Tennis Association Midwest Regional Championships this weekend, Feb. 20-21.

Groh highlighted first-class facilities, local partner agencies and exceptional customer service as the main reasons that tournament and conference directors continue to choose Rockford as their destination.

He also said that visitors help to fuel the regional economy during their stays by not just experiencing tournaments and events, but by also staying in hotels, shopping at local stores and dining at the region’s restaurants.

Thirteen new and returning events include:
Illinois High School Association State Bowling Finals, Feb. 20-22, Cherry Bowl, Cherry Valley. An estimated 740 bowlers competed in the 23rd annual event that utilized 500 hotel rooms for a estimated $100,000 economic impact.

2015 National Collegiate Table Tennis Midwest Regional Championships, Feb. 21-22, Flodin Boys and Girls Club, Rockford. Players from 14 states and 24 teams were on hand last week, utilizing around 450 hotel rooms and an economic impact of $81,000.

Ultimate Frisbee Chicago Invite 2015, March 27-29, Sportscore One and Sportscore Two in Rockford and Loves Park will host for the first time after a move from the Chicago area. More than 150 teams and an estimated 5,000 players, fans and guest are projected to have an economic impact of $274,500.
2015 Rugby Illinois High School and Middle School State Championships, May 24-25, Sportscore Two, Loves Park. This is the second straight year the area has hosted. Approximately 30 high school teams, 10 middle school teams from the throughout the state will play, with an estimated economic impact of $45,000.

2015 National Softball Association North B State Championships, June 26-28, Sportscore One in Rockford (Rockton Athletic Fields will be used if necessary). Some 60 teams and 2,500 players, fans and guests are projected to have a $256,000 economic impact.

2015 Midwest Challenge Cup, June 27-28, Sportscore Two, Loves Park. The region hosts this rugby event for the first time. Nearly 500 players from 20 to 24 teams will be on hand with an estimated economic impact of $117,000.

American Amateur Baseball Congress Willie Mays 10U World Series, July 1-Aug. 5, Carlson Boys and Girls Club and Boys and Girls Club Baseball Complex at Lawn Drive. The tournament returns to
Rockford for the first time since 1981. The 16 teams and estimated 1,000 players, fans and guests are projected to used 1,175 hotel rooms for a $211,500 economic impact.

US Youth Soccer 2015 Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region II Showcase and ID (Identification) Camps, July 9-16, Sportscore Two, Loves Park. The combined events are expected to draw nearly 3,500 players and have an economic impact of $337,500.

2015 Midwestern Open Lacrosse Championships (Elite Tournaments LLC), July 18-19, Sportscore Two, Loves Park. More than 2,500 players, fans and guests are expected to participate with a projected $225,000 economic impact.

USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) Girls Fast pitch 14u “B” World Series, July 28- 31, Sportscore One. Sixty teams will be featured with more than 900 athletes participating July 28-31 with a $387,000 economic impact. Competition will also be held June 19-21 and July 3-5.
Illinois Rural Water Association – Northern Conference 2015, Oct. 25-27, 2015, Giovanni’s Convention Center. Approximately 150 attendees from around the state are expected to utilize 265 hotel rooms for a $34,715 economic impact.

2016 National Dart Association (NDA) Regional Tournament, Jan. 8-10, 2016, Clock Tower Resort, Rockford. An estimated 250 competitors will be on hand for 450 room night and an $81,000 economic impact.

American Motors Owners Association 2016 International Convention, July 25 – Aug. 1, 2016, locations throughout the city. An estimated 400 cars will be showcased with visitors spending around 1,400 room nights for an estimated $184,055 economic impact. The show features AMC cars, many like the Gremlin and Pacer manufactured in Kenosha, Wis.

–Winnebago Chronicle news sources