With two tournaments in town this weekend – including the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation championship –, the Rockford Visitor’s Bureau expects 20,000 tourists visiting.
ROCKFORD, Ill. — The lights are bright as the mats roll out over the weekend at the BMO Center in downtown Rockford.
As the city hosts two major sporting events between March 8 and 9, tourism sees a noticeable rise.
Lindsay Arellano, the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB) vice-president of sales and service, expects up to 20,000 visitors passing through the Forest City.
Similarly, an estimated $1.7 million may be spent at local business and venues during the athletic competitions.
Over at the BMO, the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) hosts its state championship; meanwhile, the UW Health Sports Factory Two welcomes a girls volleyball tournament.
Inside the downtown arena, nevertheless, clustered crowds squeezed through the center as wrestling merchandise and equipment lined halls. In BMO’s heart, mats with local high schools decorated the floor.
Amidst the wrestling fervor, Arellano highlighted Rockford’s rise as an athletic destination.
“The upgrades and renovations here at BMO have have put us above others. And the Sports Factory, they’re hosting 16 volleyball courts; not many people – not many facilities – can host that,” says Arellano. The RACVB VP also described what entices competitions to choose Rockford.
“Our facilities, and our service and our community – they are all things that set us apart from others,” says Arellano.
Speaking on International Women’s Day, likewise, the VP noted a new wave of athletes crossing through the BMO.
“This year’s special because there’s more and more girls. The girls and wrestling is skyrocketing and becoming more popular,” says Arellano wearing a Wrestle Like A Girl t-shirt. “If you take a look at out on the competition floor – and on the mats the 12 mats that are out there –, you’re gonna see a lot of girls out there.”
As the IKWF competition features 6 year-old wrestlers and above, girls competed in rings with boys beside. Similarly, a group of girls from Plano, Illinois, noted noticeably more representation at this year’s event.
“I think it’s awesome, and I feel like more girls should do it cause it’s really fun once you get to do it,” says Kenzie Soloff – a wrestler with the Lil Reapers Wrestling Club. “I definitely encourage more girls to join it because it’s fun, and it’s a good way to control your anger, and you can express yourself.”
Soloff then motioned to her Wonder Woman socks – excited for her expression. With teammates alongside her, the Plano wrestler noted a pleasant Rockford experience – her first visit.
Before heading to subsequent matches, those from Lil Reapers Wrestling appreciated BMO’s “prettiness” and size during their visit.
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