7 Major Local Sports Events Father’s Day Weekend

Given the choice between the standard Father's Day gift of a tie, or going to multiple major sporting events in the local area over Father's Day weekend, I've gotta believe that most dads (myself included) would take the sporting events hands down.

Okay, all of you buyers-of-Father's-Day-gifts, forget ties and such and make your plans to get dad around town for some great sports excitement.

From our friends at the RACVB (Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau):

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to announce seven first-time and returning sports events taking place in the Rockford Region during Father's Day weekend. Collectively, participants, coaches and fans visiting the region for the tournaments will be spending an estimated $1.3 million during their stay. 

That's right, $1.3 million in economic impact for the area. Make sure you're extra friendly and welcoming to all our extra visitors.

"Each of these events is responsible for the competitive edge that the Rockford Region has maintained this year. We're growing by leaps and bounds because of the assets we have to offer with our sports facilities, high level of customer service and the many sites, attractions and eateries that make Rockford such a unique place to visit," said Josh Albrecht, Director of Marketing and Public Affairs for the RACVB. "With the renovations to Sportscore Downtown and upgrades to our current facilities we can continue this trend of hosting diverse events and secure several new ones in the coming years. There are no limits to what we can accomplish here and that's a huge win for us." 

It's more than just ticket money folks will be bringing to town:

Albrecht noted that visitors help to fuel the regional economy during their stays not just by experiencing the tournaments and events that they are attending, but also by staying in hotels, shopping at local stores and dining at the region's restaurants. 

Let's get to the schedule of events, courtesy of RACVB:

Father's Day Weekend 2015 Events

USA Wrestling 2015 Northern Plains Kids Cadet Regional Championships
Date: June 18 - 20
Location: BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, IL
Attendance: 1,200
Economic Impact: $198,000.00
New event for Rockford

2015 ABA BMX Midwest Nationals
Date: June 19 - 21
Location: Searls Park, Rockford, IL
Attendance: 7,000
Economic Impact: $405,000.00

Team Exposure- 2015 Summer Smash Classic Baseball tournament
Date: June 19 - 21
Location: Aviators Stadium, Loves Park, IL
Attendance: 750
Economic Impact: $25,920.00

The Biggest Loser Run Walk (Half Marathon and 5K)
Date: June 20
Location: Downtown Rockford, Rockford, IL
Attendance: 6,000
Economic Impact: $27,000.00

USSSA Girls State Fastpitch Tournament 12u B and 13u B
Date: June 19 - 21
Location: Sportscore One, Rockford, IL
Attendance: 2,500
Economic Impact: $129,600.00
Quote: "We are delighted to bring this event back to Rockford again this year for what, historically, has been a great weekend for Fastpitch softball. The RACVB has helped to make the Rockford area for this year's annual state tournament an easy decision," said Ed White, USSSA tournament director.

2015 Midwest Bowling Tournament (6th weekend of tournament)
Date: May 16 - June 28, 6th weekend of tournament taking place June 19 - 21
Location: Don Carter Lanes and Cherry Bowl, Rockford, IL
Attendance: 4,000 (overall 7 weeks)
Economic Impact: $449,100.00 (overall 7 weeks)
Quote: "It is exciting to fulfill the dreams of ladies from six states in coordinating this tournament that gathers women bowlers from all over the country. It has been our pleasure to work with the RACVB, John Sommer and his staff at The Cherry Bowl and Don Carter Lanes and the Rockford Women's WBA to host this fun event full of high energy in the Rockford area," states President of the Illinois USBC WBA, Betty McCann.
New event for Rockford

IL Jets Track and Field
Date: June 20
Location: Christian Life, Rockford, IL
Attendance: 600
Economic Impact: $13,500.00

With all this fun to be had, your choice to give him a tie instead comes with a high degree of risk...I'm just saying.