PNQ Volleyball Brings Sports Stimulus

Hotels get boost in business during slow March

2009 PNQ Impact Facts:
·    366 Teams, average 15 athletes & coaches per team
·    Estimated 8,000 guests in town for up to 3 nights
·    Estimated 7,000 room nights generated
·    Average spending per person $100 per day
·    Est. Economic Impact: $3.9 million

Last month, Spokane once again welcomed volleyball athletes, fans, and university scouts for the annual Pacific Northwest Volleyball Qualifier (PNQ) held March 20-22 & 27-29 at the Spokane Convention Center and Eastern Washington University.  The two weekends of volleyball generated approximately $3.9 million in economic impact and over 7,000 hotel room stays.

"This is our 12th year in Spokane, and once again teams are excited to compete here.  We have great venues, hotels, and activities that make for a family vacation. It is not just a volleyball tournament, it's a county wide event!" says April Stark, PNQ Event Director.

As the largest annual room night generator in Spokane, the PNQ welcomed girls from across the US, ages 12 to 18, with each team vying for a chance to qualify for this year's Junior Olympics.  An impressive 366 teams traveled from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington with 37 local teams from Spokane competing.

Glenrose Sports Complex

Proposed South Hill complex would provide much needed fields for area Little League

The Spokane Regional Sports Commission has been at the forefront of support for a proposed sports complex on 37th Avenue and Glenrose on Spokane's South Hill.  The initial design concept for the 20 acre park features four standard little league fields and one championship field, with concessions and facilities to support tournament play.  The layout would also be convertible to multi-use fields to serve youth football and soccer programs.

"Our community is underserved with youth sports facilities that are designed and maintained for the sports and audiences intended," commented SRSC Board Chair, Doug Kelley.  "As our public schools build and maintain fewer facilities for sports, the burden and opportunities shift to the community.  The SRSC has always been a strong advocate for additional sports and recreation facilities to meet these community, social and wellness needs."

The area's often inadequate facility inventory is one of the biggest challenges faced in recruiting events for the region.  Developments like this are just what is needed to overcome that challenge.  The SRSC supports Spokane Little League's project at Glenrose and shares their desire to see more venues, such as this one, developed around Spokane.

Board Member Spotlight-Incoming Chairman, Jim Murphy

Here comes the Judge...

This April means big changes for the Spokane Regional Sports Commission as a new Chairman of the Board officially takes over.  After two years under the leadership of Doug Kelley, the SRSC is excited to bring in our new fearless leader, Judge Jim Murphy (Ret.).  

Spokane native and Gonzaga University Law School graduate, Judge Murphy served on the Spokane County District Court and Superior Court of the State of Washington during his judicial career.  Jim's athletic passion is track and field and he serves in many capacities with USA Track & Field as well as the International Association of Athletics Federation.  He has officiated NCAA national meets, the Goodwill Games, United States Olympic trials, and the Olympic Games in 1996.  

Jim has been a member of the Sports Commission Board of Directors since September 2000.  During his time on the Board, he has been an integral part of building Spokane's relationship with USA Track & Field.  This relationship has brought a number of events to our region, including the 2006 Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, the 2007 Masters Track & Field Championships, the 2008 Club Cross Country National Championships, and the upcoming 2010 USA Cross Country National Championships.

When asked to share his thoughts on assuming his new role with the SRSC, Jim had this to say:

"This month, I begin serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Spokane Regional Sports Commission.  I am honored to have been elected to serve in this position following the highly successful leadership of our outgoing Chair, Doug Kelley who has done a fantastic job of making use of the diverse and gifted board membership over the last two years.  While the job is a challenge, the staff contribution to the success of the Commission is the primary reason for the growth and success that the community has enjoyed under the guidance and leadership of Eric Sawyer, our executive director.  This wonderful staff is a delight to work with and has made possible the phenomenal growth of the Commission and its' many successful events secured and staged in our Inland Northwest region.  We have established a truly regional relationship with North Idaho, Cheney and many individuals throughout our area.  I am excited and challenged to continue to guide secured events and look forward to successfully bidding on many diverse sporting opportunities in the next two years."

The bi-annual change of leadership is more than just a formality.  It will bring a new outlook and focus for the SRSC over the next two years, and is a process that keeps the organization moving forward with a fresh perspective.

INW Sports Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations

Deadline: April 30th

The Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame is now accepting public nominations to be considered for the October 2009 induction at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.  The categories for nomination are Athlete, Coach, and Sports Contributor.  A biography of the nominee can be sent to Hall of Fame Chairman Jon Heimbigner at:

Spokane Regional Sports Commission
Hall of Fame
801 W. Riverside
Suite 510
Spokane, WA  99201
The deadline for nominations is April 30th.

The Hall of Fame was formed in 1960 to honor athletes, coaches, & sports contributors who have brought regional, national, and international recognition to the Inland Northwest.  The first class was inducted in 1963. Currently there are 127 members in the Hall of Fame and 38 members recognized on the Scroll of Honor.  Inductions take place every other year.  The Hall of Fame and the Scroll of Honor are housed in the Spokane Veteran's Memorial Arena with Rosauers Supermarkets as the major sponsor.  For a list of past inductees and more information please visit www.spokanesports.org. 

Think Golf...

Best Ball Classic registration now open

5th Annual SRSC Best Ball Classic
Saturday, September 26th & Sunday, September 27th
Circling Raven Golf Club
$225 per player / $450 per team
Gross and net payouts per flight
No age or gender limitations
Verifiable handicaps required for payout

Interested in playing in the Inland Northwest's premier golf tournament?  The SRSC is now accepting registrations for the 2009 Best Ball Classic.  The 2-day, 2-man best ball tournament is back for the 5th year and a full field is expected again.  Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Thanks to the success of the tournament and the support of our faithful players and sponsors, we are able to keep tournament rates the same at $225 per person or $450 per team.  All players will receive great tee prizes from Nike Golf and enjoy all the tournament amenities including two days complimentary breakfast, player reception at the course, the chance at $500 payout, and two days of some of the best golf in the region.  Plus, all proceeds from the tournament benefit the Athletic Achievement Grant Program, providing support to area youth as they strive to achieve their athletic goals.

To register: DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM or call 800.900.5837.  
If you or your company are interested in becoming a hole sponsor for this event please contact Suzanne Boyce at 509.742.9396.

Partners' Corner

Hoopfest celebrates its 20th anniversary June 27 & 28!
In 1990, Hoopfest had 512 teams and has grown to over 6,400 in 2008.  It is sure to be the best 3-on-3 tournament on the streets of Spokane yet.

Court sponsors are part of the strong foundation for Hoopfest.  Sponsorships are still available.  Make sure you sponsor your backboard soon to reach 100,000 people and get a FREE team! For more information contact kirstin@spokanehoopfest.net.

Volunteers provide the "Spirit of Hoopfest" and it takes 3,000 dedicated people to donate their time and energy as court monitors and volunteers in other areas such as team check-in, information, Avista Master Scoreboard, merchandise, contests, and activities.  Check out www.spokanehoopfest.net for information and the perks of becoming a volunteer!

Guaranteed team registration ends May 4. It is coming up fast so make sure you register now and get your team ready for Hoopfest - the best basketball weekend on Earth.

Rockwood & Spokane Public Schools host High School Sports Medicine Conference
Lower Extremity Injuries: Condition of the Leg
Saturday, April 11
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Rockwood Main Clinic - 2nd Floor, Conf. Room 4
(400 E, 5th Ave.)
Cost: $10 - Includes T-Shirt & Lunch
Coaches and parents are welcome!

For more information contact Keith Eggleston at 509.868.2608 or email sportsmedicine@rockwoodclinic.com.