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Tournament Facts
What: 23rd annual Creek Classic Soccer Tournament
When: Today and Sunday
Where: John Ankeney Soccer Complex, Hobson Freedom Park and Wright State University
Number of teams: 450-plus
Attendance: 19,000
Economic impact: $2.7 million
More info: www.CreekClassic.com
The annual Creek Classic Soccer Tournament in Greene County this weekend is projected to have a $2.7 million economic impact on the area and attract 19,000 people, according to officials.
The 23rd annual event — held at three sites in the county, utilizing 62 total fields — will host more than 450 teams and 6,000 athletes, said John Ankeney, tournament co-director and executive director of the Beavercreek Soccer Association.
Games will be played all day today and Sunday. The tournament sites are the John Ankeney Soccer Complex (main site), Hobson Freedom Park and Wright State University.
The tournament is open to the public. Admission and parking are free.
“We try to make it a fun experience for the whole family, not just the soccer players,” Ankeney said. “We have good, clean, manicured fields. We want to make sure everyone has a good time.”
The championship games for the boys and girls U8 through U17 age groups will take place Sunday afternoon, Ankeney said.
The economic impact figure of $2.7 million is determined by the number of overnight stays at hotels, and visitors eating out at restaurants, shopping and admission fees at area attractions.
“The region, Greene County and the Beavercreek Soccer Association, in particular, have earned a national reputation for its ability to host high-level soccer tournaments that keep teams returning year after year,” said Kathleen Young, executive director of the Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our tourism partners — our hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions — all benefit and count on this weekend for their continued success.”
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