Phoenix, AZ (December 19, 2008) – The Phoenix Regional Sports Commission, in partnership with Phoenix Parks and Recreation, and the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today the successful bid to host three large national events for the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Services Corporation.
NIRSA chose Phoenix to host its National Campus Championship Series (NCCS) National Soccer Championships in 2009, 2011 and 2013. The events will all be held at the Reach 11 Soccer Complex in North Phoenix, with each event scheduled in November.
Sports Commission President Jon Schmieder commended the team effort needed to secure the Championships, “The effort put forth by the Parks Department and the CVB were critical in landing these prestigious events. Any time a host community can offer a unified front to sports organizing bodies, we make their jobs easier in running a quality championship.”
“We are very excited that Phoenix has the opportunity to host these prestigious events,” said Rob Harman, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Phoenix. “The NIRSA Championships add to our growing reputation as a great host of grass-roots sporting events.”
Each NIRSA NCCS Championship will bring more than 1,700 people to the area who will utilize more than 1,300 total hotel room nights. Estimates from the National Association of Sports Commissions economic impact model indicate the 2009 Championship will result in direct visitor spending of more than $1,500,000. Over the life of the agreement the direct economic impact on the region is expected to be more than $4.5 million.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have our 2009, 2011 and 2013 NCCS National Soccer Championships in Phoenix,” said NIRSA Executive Director Kent J. Blumenthal. “These student athletes work so hard and they deserve the best. We know Phoenix will help us deliver a top-notch experience for everyone involved.”
Last summer the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission set a goal of securing events that would drive at least $100 million into the Valley. The target date for achieving the goal is May 2010. Securing the three NIRSA Championships bring the Sports Commission’s economic impact total this year to more than $7 million.
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A 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission (PRSC) was created in 1988. The mission of the PRSC is to “Enrich Our Community Through Sports” by representing the citizens of the Valley to bring national and international sporting events to the state, assist in the promotion of existing events and teams, and support youth sports programs.
The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) is the leading resource for professional and student development, education, and research in collegiate recreational sports. Its subsidiary, the NIRSA Services Corporation (NSC), oversees the National Campus Championship Series (NCCS), the only campus non-varsity sports series that supports NIRSA’s dedication to fostering student development, commitment to the larger learning community, and emphasis on leadership and excellence.
For more information contact:
Jon Schmieder, PRSC President, 602.258.6272 or visit www.phxsports.org
