Grand Rapids Vying Against San Diego, Oklahoma City and Others in Bid for 2017 State Games of America
The State Games of America brings over 10,000 athletes together to compete in dozens of events.
Those athletes and over $5 million of spending could be coming to Grand Rapids in 2017.
The West Michigan Sports Commission, Experience Grand Rapids, and the Meijer State Games of Michigan submitted a bid to host the State Games of America in 2017.
The State Games would bring an estimated 5,000 out-of-state athletes to West Michigan, plus 8,000 in-state athletes.
The State Games of America is run by the National Congress of State Games.
The State Games of America features competition between State Games medal winners from the two years before from across the nation. All residents of the host state are also eligible to participate.
“The success and growth of the Meijer State Games of Michigan as a signature event of the sports commission has positioned us well in successfully hosting the State Games of America.” said Mike Guswiler, president of the WMSC.
Grand Rapids would host over 50 events, all within 30 minutes of Grand Rapids.
Lincoln, Nebraska; San Diego; Hampton Roads, Virginia; and Oklahoma City are also bidding to host the 2017 games.
Finalists will be announced by June 20. The winning city will be announced in October.
The State Games of America would make a nice addition to the growing list of entertainment and events Grand Rapids has hosted.
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