USA Team Handball Coming to Spokane

For the first time, USA Team Handball will be coming to Spokane for the 2023 and 2024 USA Team Handball US Open and Junior National Championships. "It's exciting to host such a dynamic sporting event for the first time," says Eric Sawyer, President and CEO, Spokane Sports. "Our community has a terrific reputation turning out for Olympic sports. We anticipate USA Team Handball will generate great buzz in Spokane." 

Hosting Team Handball will also underscore the flexibility of Spokane's newest Facility, The Podium. 75,000 square feet of handball flooring will be placed over the facility's unique hydraulic running track. Sawyer says, "we've shown off our world class indoor track, but the Podium's versatility really is its strength." 

USA Team Handball will bring its events to The Podium May 11-14, 2023, and again on May 9-12, 2024. With 500 athletes, 60 VIPs/coaches/staff, and 500 out of town spectators, this event is expected to generate 750 hotel room night stays and more than $1.5 million in economic impact in our region each year. 

"We are thrilled to be able to provide our teams with such an incredible venue to compete in," says Ryan Johnson, CEO of USA Team Handball. "More than just a competition, this event is an annual reunion for many in our community and is a fundamental part of the legacy of our sport. It's critical we offer an environment suitable for an event of this importance, and Spokane and The Podium will be the perfect host." 

FUN FACTS ABOUT HANDBALL

• Played with two teams, each consisting of seven players 
• Team Handball is the second largest sport in Europe, next to soccer 
• Competed at the Summer Olympic Games 
• Often described as the combination of basketball, lacrosse, and water polo 

About USA Team Handball

The mission of USA Team Hahendball is to develop, promote, educate and grow the sport of Team Handball at all levels in the United States, and to enable United States athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence to win medals in international and Olympic competition.

About Spokane Sports

Founded in 1989, Spokane Sports is a non-profit, economic development organization responsible for recruiting, retaining, and facilitating sports events for the Spokane region. As advocates for sports development, our efforts help our region realize the economic, social, and community development benefits of sports. Learn more by visiting us online.

About The Podium

Spokane is proud to announce an all new, indoor multi-sport venue. Completed in Fall 2021, this world-class facility is located in the heart of downtown, giving athletes front-door access to restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. The project forged several unique partnerships and funding approaches, all with the intent to generate economic impact and put Spokane on the map for sports tourism.