Erie Sports Commission Ready to Host Cheer, Bowling this Weekend

Erie is set for a big weekend for sports tourism beginning Saturday, with the 80^th Annual PA USBC Open Championships bowling tournament and Champion Cheer Central’s Champions Weekend both kicking off. Together, they are expected to have an economic impact of nearly $5 million over the course of their events. The PA USBC Open Championships runs through June.

“Erie has long been known for its ability to cater to the interests of a wide range of events, but this weekend really proves it,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Having events of different shapes and sizes drawing athletes in the same weekend proves how versatile this city can be. At the same time, it is a testament to the number of great venues in Erie capable of hosting a variety of events, as well as an abundance of hoteliers and restaurateurs able to cater to visitors’ needs.”

The 80^th Annual PA USBC Open Championships will span 10 weekends at two bowling alleys in Erie, with nearly 5,000 bowlers expected to compete. The event starts on Saturday and will have an estimated county-wide economic impact of more than $3.5 million through June.

Rolling Meadow Lanes will host the five-person team major event, as Eastway Lanes hosts the singles and doubles events. Erie last hosted the state championship event in 2014.

Champions Weekend consists of two events – Champions of Dance at the Bayfront Convention Center on Saturday and the Lake Erie National Cheer Championships Saturday and Sunday at Erie Insurance Arena. More than 1,500 participants from the Great Lakes and Northeast regions are expected to travel to Erie to compete in the cheer championships, which have grown to two days for the first time.

Champions Weekend is projected to have an economic impact of more than $900,000.

For more information on these events and others taking place in Erie, visit www.eriesportscommission.com.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.