Did you know the biggest annual sporting event in Spokane County in terms of economic impact is starting this week?

433 Teams travel to Spokane for PNQ Volleyball
Economic impacted expected to exceed $4 million for Spokane County

(Spokane, WA) – There is no economic downturn at the USA Volleyball Pacific Northwest Qualifier (PNQ) this year! March Madness has hit Spokane as the city will welcome 433 volleyball teams from across the United States. Family members, fans, and university scouts will add to the approximate 6,000 people participating in the two weekend tournament, March 19-21 and 26-28. Overall, 67 more teams have registered compared to 2009. The tournament will be held in three locations this year; Eastern Washington University, the Spokane Convention Center Group Health Exhibit Hall, and the HUB Sports Center (second weekend only). The Spokane Regional Sports Commission estimates that the PNQ will generate approximately $4 million in economic impact, and over 8,000 hotel room stays.

The PNQ will welcome girls’ teams ages 12 to 18, with each team vying for a spot at the USA Volleyball Junior Olympics in April. Thirty-seven teams from Spokane will be amongst those competing. Matches start each weekend Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm, and Sunday 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. Admission is free.

“We could not believe the numbers we had when we closed registration,” says April Stark, PNQ Event Director. “This will be the largest tournament to date, and that is surprising considering the economy.”

The first weekend of PNQ will coincide with the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball 1st and 2nd Round Tournament, March 19th and March 21st at the Spokane Arena. Expect sports fans to flood the city, and hotels to be full. The total economic impact of both events will be around $7 million.

PNQ Fast Facts:
· 433 Teams (366 in 2009, average 15 athletes & coaches per team)
· Estimated 6,000 guests in town for up to 3 nights
· Estimated 8,000 room nights generated
· Est. Economic Impact: $4 million

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The USA Cross Country Championships are in Spokane Valley this year — on February 13th at Plantes Ferry.Top runners from across the nation, competing for the opportunity to represent Team USA at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.  Over 600 elite, masters and junior competitors are expected, including past USA Olympic team members.

Before the race, the Spokane Regional Sports Commission is hosting the Erik Anderson 4k Community Run.  The race is open to runners of all ages and proceeds will benefit the Erik Anderson Memorial Fund.

For information on the USATF Cross Country Championships, visit usatf.org.

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The Spokane Regional Sports Commission has posted results from this year’s Washington State Masters Cycling Championships. If you missed the race on June 27, read about it here.

Top finishers in each group:
Junior C (ages 13-14): Luke Feasline (Vertical Earth)
Junior D (10-12): Logan Feasline (Vertical Earth)
Junior A (17-18): Kyle Brown-Wollin (Unattached)
Junior B (15-16): Alex Springer (Rad Racing NW)
Master Women A: Gina Kavesh (Wines of WA/Bikesale.com)
Master Women B: Renee Compton (Zuster Cycling)
Master Men D: Mike Burdo (Garage)
Master Men C: Jim Stefanoff (Emde Sports)
Master Men B: Lynn Taylor Pilant (VegtleadED.com)
Master Men A: Michael Emde (Emde Sports)

View complete results here.

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Highbridge Park Cross race, Spokane WA, 2007. // Photo John Speare.

Dare to dream. This week USA Cycling is scouting two Northwest cities two decide which town will host the 2009 National Championships. It’s down to Spokane, Washington vs. Bend, Oregon–which is funny because Bend isn’t fit to lube our chains. Spokane has better hotels, a better airport, and more bike shops. Plus, the best potential location being forwarded the Spokane Regional Sports Commission is Riverfront Park! Do I need to express how cool that would be? An announcement of the host city is expected in less than 4 weeks. If you see someone who looks like they are from USA Cycling in town this week please tell them you’ll name your first-born “Chainring” if they bring this event to town.

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