State Budget Stalemate Slows Rockford Sports Tourism Plans
LOVES PARK, Ill. (AP) — The Rockford area's regional plans to boost sports tourism have slowed because the state government's budget stalemate is holding up expansion of a major athletic facility.
The Sportscore Two facility in Loves Park is the top tourist attraction in the Rockford area, drawing more than 2.8 million visitors a year for tournaments and games.
Around 85 percent of the funding for expansion of the facility's Indoor Sports Center is in place.
But the Rockford Register Star reports the city can't solicit construction bids until Gov. Bruce Rauner releases a $2.5 million state grant that's on hold while lawmakers squabble over the state's budget.
A coalition of local governments is pooling hotel tax receipts and other revenue to expand regional athletic facilities to maximize sports tourism in the area.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM
