Two Events to Generate Major Tourism Impact this Weekend

Two events this weekend will have a major impact on the local economy, generating a combined $2.6 million in estimated economic impact.

The 19^th Annual Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational will be held Friday, Jan. 17 through Monday, Jan. 20 at the Bayfront Convention Center. Nearly 2,000 athletes are expected to compete at all levels during the four-day event, which is regarded as one of the largest co-ed gymnastics events in Pennsylvania.

“Doug Pershun and Erie Gymnastics Center continue to impress us with the event they put together,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Last year a team traveled from Florida. This year, a team is traveling from Puerto Rico to compete. The level of competition is outstanding, and teams clearly enjoy a quality tournament.”

TCS Hockey, a national hockey tournament organizer, will host its first-ever Erie MLK Ice Cup Saturday, Jan. 18 through Monday, Jan. 20 at ERIEBANK Sports Park, Erie Insurance Arena and the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center.

More than 50 teams are expected to compete in the youth hockey tournament, making it one of the largest youth hockey tournaments hosted in Erie in recent memory. Teams will travel from across the state, as well as New Jersey, Ohio, New York and Virginia.

“We are blown away by response from TCS Hockey, particularly for a first time event,” said Jeanneret. “The additional ice at ERIEBANK Sports Park and Flo Fabrizio Ice Center has made it possible for us to bring in major tournaments like this one. We always knew that Erie was a great destination for hockey tournaments, and with five ice pads in town, now we have the venues to bring that to life.

“Collectively, this weekend will be one of our biggest impactors of the year in terms of families traveling to Erie for sporting competition. We are looking forward to welcoming athletes and their families to both tournaments, and showcasing our great region to all of them.”

For more on the Erie Sports Commission, visit www.eriesportscommission.com.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.