Date: May 10, 2022

Contact: Lance Kettering, Springfield Sports Commission, 417-881-5300 ext. 106, lkettering@springfieldmo.org

Springfield Snags Pickleball Tournament

Springfield, Missouri – A tournament of the fastest-growing sport in the country is coming to Springfield in 2023 and 2024.

In a competitive bid process, the USA Pickleball Middle States Regional is booked for June 1-4, 2023, and May 30-June 2, 2024, at Cooper Tennis Complex. The Springfield Sports Commission, Springfield-Greene County Park Board and Pickleball Blast won rights to host the events over Milwaukee and Chicago.

From 800 to 1,000 athletes are expected to compete in the tournaments each year. Annually, local hotels can expect about 2,000 room nights and spending of about $675,000 from the people who come to the city for the events.

“We are pleased to be selected as the destination for the 2023 and 2024 USA Pickleball Middle States Regional,” said Lance Kettering, Sports Commission director. “The sport of pickleball is growing at a rapid pace throughout the country and also in Springfield. We are most appreciative of the support of the personnel at the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the Cooper Tennis Complex. We look forward to showcasing our anchor tennis complex, Cooper Tennis, for USA Pickleball and the Middle States region.”

The region consists of Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin; however, entries from about 30 states are expected. The events will be operated by the USA Pickleball Middle States Regional Director Jim Berger and co-directed by Roberta Camara of Pickleball Blast.

“The Cooper Complex is designed well for such an event and I think this has the makings of a stellar pickleball event for the Middle States region and USA Pickleball,” Berger said.

Camara said he expects the event to be one of the largest ever to take place in Missouri.

“We are super excited to bring an event of the importance of the USA Pickleball Middle States Regional to Springfield for 2023 and 2024,” Camara said. “Together with a team of experienced tournament operators, directors and the Springfield pickleball community, we anticipate this to be the largest and best pickleball tournament in the state of Missouri.”

Pickleball is a sport created by combining elements of several other racket sports. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated ball, much like a Wiffle Ball, over a net.

“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and the Park Board now offers pickleball courts and programs at 10 locations,” said Bob Belote, Director of Parks. “Following this June’s inaugural Queen City Open at Cooper Tennis Complex, we’re thrilled to host a USA Pickleball tournament in 2023 and 2024.”

The USA Pickleball Middle States Regional is one of dozens of amateur sporting events brought to the city through the efforts of the Springfield Sports Commission and partner organizations. The Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the local economy through sports travel. Learn more at new.springfieldmosports.org/ or call 417-881-5300.

Finalists announced for Sports Commission Awards

Sporting KC to sponsor Springfield Sports Commission’s BigShots Golf Challenge on Wednesday, April 13.

The Springfield Sports Commission is proud to bring back the Springfield Sports Commission BigShots Golf Challenge presented by Sporting Kansas City for a second straight year.

Sporting KC will sponsor an afternoon full of golf, food and fun next Wednesday, April 13 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. CT at BigShots Golf in Springfield, Missouri.

The BigShots Golf Challenge will include game play, tournament style challenges, individual contests, mix and mingle with representatives from Sporting KC and more.

This event is perfect for any business outing, family or friend get together and supports the Springfield Sports Commission’s mission to create an economic impact through sports.  Incredible prizes including tickets to future Sporting KC matches, autographed memorabilia and more are up for grabs.

Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Sports Commission added, “We are excited to partner again with Sporting KC for our second annual BigShots Golf Challenge.   This is a great event and opportunity for folks to enjoy and afternoon at one of Springfield premier attractions, learn more about Sporting KC all while supporting our Sports Commission.”

The Springfield Sports Commission markets Springfield as a top destination for sports travel and Tourism.   To learn more about the Springfield Sports Commission visit springfieldmosports.org.

https://www.ozarksfirst.com/local-news/local-news-local-news/upcoming-tournaments-set-to-bring-thousands-to-springfield/

News Release – April 20, 2021

Contacts:

• Lance Kettering, executive director, Springfield Sports Commission, 417-881-5300, ext. 106, lkettering@springfieldmo.org
• Katie Johnson, assistant director, Springfield Sports Commission, 417-881-5300, ext. 116, kjohnson@springfieldmo.org
• Jason West, MSHSAA communications director, jason@mshsaa.org

Venue Agreements Extended for High School Events

Springfield, Missouri – The Missouri State High School Activities Association announced today it has extended multiple post-season host venue agreements, including five in Springfield.

The extensions were put in place because of the changes and cancellations of championship events that occurred last year. In efforts to curtail the spread of the virus causing the pandemic, MSHSAA’s spring 2020 sports and scholar bowl seasons were lost; basketball, music and speech and debate were truncated; and significant modifications were made to all sports and activity seasons during the 2020-21 school year.

Lance Kettering, executive director of the Springfield Sports Commission, expressed gratitude for the extensions that will bring thousands of students and their families to the city.

“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to host MSHSAA Championship events in Springfield,” Kettering said. “Thank you to the MSHSAA staff and board of directors for extending the agreements. Furthermore, we thank MSHSAA for their tireless efforts to create championship opportunities for the student athletes during a very challenging time.”

One-year extensions went to Springfield for fall and spring softball, baseball and basketball along with a two-year extension for speech and debate. Other extensions include one year of football and wrestling and two years of music to Columbia and a two-year extension of track and field to Jefferson City.

The MSHSAA board of directors unanimously approved the extensions at its April board meeting.

“We have been fortunate to have great partners in all of our host communities,” said MSHSAA executive director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn. “These partners have worked with their respective communities when putting together their initial proposal bids. We felt the appropriate path was to give these communities more time to carry out their original plans.”

For more information about amateur sports events booked in the city by the Springfield Sports Commission, visit www.SpringfieldMo.org/sports or call 417-881-5300.

The Springfield Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization managed by the Convention & Visitors Bureau. The organizations work to improve the local economy through growth in travel and tourism to the city.