LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - Liberty University wins big and scores the 2019 State Games of America. The Olympic-style sporting event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors into Lynchburg.
Come July 2019, Liberty University will open its sporting arenas and host an upward of 15,000 athletes from across the country to compete in the State Games of America. And families are expected to follow too.
"It is absolutely fantastic," said Marjette Upshur, the City's economic development director.
In the summer of 2019, the State Games of America is coming to Liberty's campus. The sporting event is expected to attract up to 40,000 visitors and generate $25-million in economic impact.
"It will be an unbelievable gathering here and there's no telling what the campus of Liberty University will look like at that time," commented Upshur.
Upshur told us she imagines during the competition, which will feature more than 50 different sporting events from baseball to fencing and even chess, most hotels rooms will be booked solid. The tourism director added this event is a great way to put the Hill City on the map and could help local business.
"Often I find the small businesses in the tourism industry really benefit, perhaps the most because tourists want to explore shops that they don't have at home, that are unique to the community," said Sergei Troubetzkoy, the city's director of tourism.
City leaders hope those who come into the Hill City for the tournament will stay for a while, maybe vacation in the area, putting more green back into the economy
As of right now, the event will be held from July 31 of 2019 to August 4.
ORIGINAL (WSLS10) - Liberty University announced on Thursday that it will host the 2019 State Games of America.
From July 31 to August 4, 10,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country are expected to participate in competitions in more than 50 sports, like football, baseball, fencing and chess.
The games are for all ages.
About 40,000 are expected to come to Lynchburg o support the games during the summer of 2019.
Previous State Games of America had an economic impact of $25 million for the region where they were held.