Tournament History
Colorado Crossroads
In 2009, over 850 teams participated over both weekends of Colorado Crossroads National Volleyball Qualifier, with over 8300 players. Attendance for the full event rounded out at approximately 50,000 for spectators, coaches and participants, and total hits on icastsports.com reached over 2400. Over 70% of Crossroads’ visitors are female, with 76% between the ages of 10-30. Additionally, the average size of a team’s make-up is between 9 and 20 persons, considering team players, club coaches and parents. 94% of these attendees stay in downtown area hotels within walking distance of the venue. 84% of them travel by airline to Denver, and 96% of teams spend more than $5000 on their travel budget.
Exhibitor surveys indicated that online promotion through the Crossroads Connections free event newsletter was their most successful method to attract consumers to exhibit booths during the event. In 2010 it is our hope to highlight our exhibitors from time to time in this well-read newsletter.
The event showed a slight growth from 2008 to 2009 and with the economy back on a cautious upswing, we anticipate an even stronger increase in interest for 2010.
Big South
For Big South in Atlanta, Georgia, total attendance for the 3-day, second largest girls’ volleyball event in North America reached more than 40,000 spectators, not including the team players and coaches.
Originally based in Tampa Bay, Florida, the 2003 tournament was estimated to have an economic impact on the area of close to $25 million. In 2004, 612 teams participated in this event, but quickly outgrowing the Tampa Bay venue, the tournament moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2005. The Atlanta Convention and Visitors bureau, as well as the Atlanta Sports Council, expected tourism revenue to double, which was facilitated by the following in this growing event. Participants occupy nearly 12,000 hotel rooms, drive 2,000 vehicle rentals, and purchase 10,000 MARTA transit passes. 1995 to 2005 saw an average annual growth rate of 15%, with approximate annual revenue of $12-14 million.
Our players are fully invested in helping make our tournament a dynamic success. Aged 12-18, these players arrive from more than 27 states and each team spends $9000 to $12000 on their visits. With a focus on volleyball, as well as their academics, over 85% of the participants at the Big South Qualifier will attend a 4-year college or university.
One of our participants for 2009 wrote: “Had a great weekend at Big South. Everything was run so efficiently, so thanks to you guys! I am sure [we] will be back .”
Capitol Hill Classic
Capitol Hill Classic, in Washington, DC, has been a small but steadily growing qualifier since 2007. Each subsequent year has seen the tournament expand and mature and has been a pleasure for participants, tournament hosts, and spectators alike.
In 2009, the event had grown to more than 400 teams for girls ages 12 to 18. With a total of 5000 athletes, more than 700 club coaches and approximately 100 college coaches, there was a positive energy and sense of competition unrivaled by any tournament large or small. Attendance each day of the 3-day tournament reached 12,000 for 2009, generating more than 5000 total hotel room nights. The estimated economic impact for the DC local economy was over $6 million.
With myriad historical and educational sites to visit and tour outside of play hours, attendees will be sure to want to visit this exciting and fabulous venue!