Two Illinois swim events, baseball and soccer in the South Shore this week
The Illinois Swimming Age Group Championships will return to the Hobart Aquatic Center March 7-10 for the second year. They are anticipating a full house with 4,000-5,000 total swimmers expected to participate in the 10 & under, 11-12 and 13-14 age groups.
“The Hobart Aquatics Center is running 20 lanes for prelims and 10 for finals,” said Ken Cawthon, Aquatics Coordinator, School City of Hobart. “This is the largest swimming event hosted in the region and it is an amazing opportunity to host this event at our facility. Not only does it put us on the map as a premiere swimming venue, but it brings in a lot of revenue to the local area. We are grateful Hobart has been considered these last two years to host this meet and we hope to continue for years to come.”
Less than 20 miles away, the Illinois YMCA State Swimming Championships is taking place at Lake Central High School in St. John March 8-10. Another 888 swimmers are expected to participate in this sanctioned, closed, inter-association championship YMCA meet.
“The hospitality of everyone at the school and throughout Northwest Indiana is what keeps us coming back,” said David Brtva, Meet Director. “After hosting our two meets at Lake Central for the last ten years, this area is very familiar and feels like home.”
In addition to the two large swimming events, the Sparta Dome in Crown Point is hosting the 12u Spring Baseball Classic and Millenium Soccer Association is hosting their 10th Annual Region Cup College Showcase at the Crown Point Sportsplex and Dowling Park in Hammond.
The estimated economic impact to the region from these four events is more than $4 million. “We thoroughly enjoy being a part of event-packed weekends like this,” said, Nikki Lopez, Interim President/CEO, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. “Given that early-March is considered our non-peak travel season, hosting these events results in thousands of families spending money in local hotels, restaurants, gas stations, shops and attractions. All four are returning events which is a testament to the Hoosier hospitality, great amenities and overall experience that keeps them coming back.”
