Sports Tournaments Bring Thousands to Rapid City

Thousands of athletes will descend on Rapid City, S.D. during the upcoming weeks. Three youth sporting events will boost the economy at a time when tourism is low.

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Three youth sporting tournaments will be hosted in Rapid City in the upcoming weeks. Athletes will participate in basketball, soccer and gymnastics competitions held throughout the city. Community members are invited to attend the competitions and support area athletes. Over 2,900 athletes and their families will utilize Rapid City's sports facilities, lodging and businesses and potentially bring in more than $730,000 to the community.

The 8th annual Black Hills Power Shoot Out will be held on Saturday, Feb. 19 and Sunday, Feb. 20. Teams of fourth through eighth grade boys and girls will compete in Rapid City's largest youth basketball tournament, with more than 1,400 athletes participating in previous years. All proceeds from the tournament will go to area youth organizations. Tournament details can be found at www.blackhillspowershootout.com or by contacting Dan Lewis at 800.342.3585.

Just Jymnastics and The Gym Stars Booster Club will host the 20th annual Rushmore Invitational for Level 4 through 10 gymnasts on Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27. Over 230 gymnasts competed at last year's event. For additional event information, visit www.justjymnastics.com. You may also contact Just Jymnastics at justjymnastics@rushmore.com or at 605.341.5914.

On March 4, 5 and 6, Rushmore Soccer Club Presidents Cup will host U-8 through U-18 from across the region. A co-ed adult open division is also available. The indoor tournament will be held at South Community Center, West Community Center and the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City. The deadline to enter teams is Feb. 18. Registration information can be found at www.rushmoresoccerclub.com or by contacting Renae Kampa at 605.391.5045.

"The most important thing about these events to Rapid City is the time of year they occur. These sporting events bring people to Rapid City in a time when tourism is low," says Domico Rodriguez, sports and events sales director at the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau. "They allow people to enjoy all that Rapid City has to offer even when it's cold, and they positively impact Rapid City's economy by bringing in families from all over the region."