National weightlifting event pushes $739K into economy

National weightlifting event pushes $739K into economy

Part of the mission of USA Weightlifting is to promote the sport in the U.S. Photo via fb.com

Downtown is hosting a national weightlifting event this week.

The USA Weightlifting Nike National Youth Championships, powered by Rogue Fitness, will run from Thursday to Sunday at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, starting at 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Last year, the city hosted the USA Weightlifting Nike American Series Open 3, powered by Rogue Fitness.

“We are excited to return to Grand Rapids and DeVos Place for another national weightlifting championship,” said Pedro Meloni, director of events and sponsorships, USA Weightlifting.

“Our local event partners – the West Michigan Sports Commission, DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza – delivered everything we could hope for to facilitate a smooth-running event last year, and our members loved it. We’re ready to come back to Grand Rapids for another thrilling championship.”

This year’s championship is estimated to generate $739,717 in revenue for the West Michigan economy.

About 1,500 hotels rooms are expected to be booked during the event.

A contingent of 694 athletes, between the ages of eight and 17, have registered from 39 states, including 25 from Michigan, with eight of those being from West Michigan: six are from Kalamazoo; one is from Spring Lake; and one is from Zeeland.

“We appreciate our strong partnership with USA Weightlifting, as we enter our second year in hosting a national weightlifting championship in West Michigan,” said Mike Guswiler, president, West Michigan Sports Commission.

“And we have the added spectator excitement this year of watching the up-and-coming athletes in this sport. You can bet that records will be broken as these amazing young athletes get stronger each year.”

Tickets for the event are $10 per day and $25 for a weekend pass. Tickets can be purchased online and at the door. 

Volunteers are needed daily. People can register for a volunteer shift online.