The ASA 12 and Under Fast Pitch Softball Tournament is a big tourism boost for the Quad Cities. 83 teams from 19 states participate in the national softball tournament. It is estimated the players, coaches and family members will spend $2.5-million at hotels, restaurants and stores.
"I think there are a lot of implications about why I think it's important to have ASA to showcase our community," says Joe Taylor, President of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Scoring big financially with the ASA tournament is only of the benefits of hosting the events.
"These players in particular are girls 12 years old and under," adds Taylor, "In a few years they'll be considering colleges and I would like them to go away with a good experience, so they will think of Augustana College and St. Ambrose University."
The area hits another home run, because of the players' ages. Since the softball players are younger the majority of their families travel with them.
"When they aren't playing softball they'll certainly be in the malls, eating restaurants and going to attractions. This is a good age to have in the Quad Cities," says Taylor.
When it comes to tourism the softball tournament is just part of the story. The state of Illinois recently reported that tourism in Rock Island County increased 5%.
"It's an improving economy," says Taylor, "In particular, Rock Island County and the Quad Cities is well suited to be an in your backyard kind of destination."
Even with tourism up, the Quad Cities will do everything it can to keep the ASA tournament. The event can only be held in Moline every other year, so local officials will bid for the 2014 tournament.
"There's no guarantee, it's very competitive," says Taylor, "We'll put forward our best bid to host again in 2014."
The tournament runs until August 5th.
