Rockford Hosting Two Youth Tournaments this Weekend

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau celebrates a 17-year partnership with the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) as the tournament kicks off this weekend at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The Rockin’ Rock Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Grand Prix volleyball tournament is also taking place at the UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford. Collectively, participants, coaches and fans who travel to the region for the tournaments this weekend will impact the region to an estimated value of $675,000 during their stays.

“On behalf of the RACVB, we’d like to thank the tournament directors of each of these youth sports championships for their commitment to hosting these events in the Rockford region. One of the key reasons sports tourism has grown so much over the years in the Rockford market is because of the great local partnerships that work with our team to accommodate events of this caliber,” said Nick Povalitis, RACVB director of sports development. “We are committed to providing the best possible experience for these athletes and spectators, some visiting for the first time, so they have an exceptional experience while they are here.”

SPORTS TOURNAMENT WEEKEND LINE-UP

Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) Championships
Date:Friday, March 8 – Saturday, March 9, 2019 (weigh-ins begin Thursday, March 7)
Location:BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, IL
Attendance:Approximately 900 top wrestlers in Illinois, boys and girls, ages 10-14 will participate this year with approximately 4,000 total visitors.
Economic Impact:$513,000
Traffic and Parking Advisory: All downtown businesses and commuters are advised that traffic will be heavy Thursday afternoon, March 7 and the morning of Friday, March 8. RACVB is collaborating with the City of Rockford and the BMO Harris Bank Center to help direct traffic and minimize delays for both commuters and visitors. Parking will also be impacted by the tournament. All city lots and on-street parking will operate according to the posted time restrictions and daily rates (parking fees may apply to some lots and decks).
Other: For safety reasons, all guests are subject to search upon entering the BMO Harris Bank Center. In the event that prohibited items are revealed during the search, the guest will be permitted to dispose of the item or return it to their vehicle. The BMO Harris Bank Center reserves the right to confiscate any prohibited items and/or escort the guest from the building. The BMO Harris Bank Center will not safeguard any personal belongings or items.
More information:http://www.ikwf.org/stateinfo.php.

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Rockin’ Rockford Grand Prix Volleyball Tournament
Date:Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 10, 2019
Location:UW Health Sports Factory, Rockford, IL
Attendance:150 teams expected, ages 12U-18U
Economic Impact:$162,000
More information:http://www.aausports.org/News/View-Story/ArtMID/1108/ArticleID/66741.

RACVB exists to drive quality of life and economic growth for the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County through tourism marketing and destination development. gorockford.com