SPOKANE, Wash. — One of the largest track meets on the West Coast kicked off at the Podium Friday night and hopes to bring millions of tourism dollars to the city.
The Spokane High School Invitational is bringing together over 1,000 athletes from nine different states. Organizers say there will be over 100 runners in the 200-meter dash alone.
The Podium is the only indoor track of its kind west of the Mississippi, which makes it an ideal place to host a large event like this.
Spokane Sports estimates events such as this one could bring millions of tourism dollars to the area.
“During their stay they’re eating, probably dining,” said Keytra Lewis, the director of marketing and communications for Spokane Sports.
Youth sports often bring families into town at a time when people usually wouldn’t visit, such as winter time. That means more hotel stays, visits to local restaurants, and an opportunity to get people to come back to Spokane in the future.
“They’re able to experience the park and our downtown and all of those great things,” said Lewis, “Multiple that by a thousand and that’s the economic impact and that has such a ripple effect.”
Lewis said Spokane Sports expanded the meet from one day to three because it’s been so popular. Having those extra days could generate an even bigger economic impact with parents and chaperones staying here.
The invitational will have a variety of throwing and jumping events over the next three days. You can get tickets for the event at the Podium box office or on its website here.
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