Paintball Sports Promotions (PSP) and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PCTSM) announced today that Polk County will host one of the largest Paintball Championships in the United States in October at Fantasy of Flight. The PSP 2009 World Cup will be held at the attraction in Polk City October 7-11 and will bring more than 5,000 competitors and an additional 5,000 spectators to the area. The event is projected to generate more than 11,000 room nights and a significant amount of daily visitation from paintball enthusiasts in Central Florida and bring with it an economic impact of more than $6 million.
"This event couldn't come at a better time," said Bob English, Polk County Tourist Development Council Chairman. "In light of the state's sagging tourism revenues, the PSP World Cup represents an important economic shot in the arm for Polk County and the state of Florida." PSP hosts five events throughout the year, in places such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. The World Cup is the largest event for paintball competitors and it is also considered the most prestigious paintball tournament in the United States. The event has been held at Disney's Wide World of Sports for the past six years. "We are very pleased to host this outstanding event in Polk County and would like to thank one of our great Polk County attractions, Fantasy of Flight, for working with us in bringing these athletes and spectators to the area," said Mark Jackson, Director of Tourism and Sports Marketing.
"The World Cup is the crown jewel of tournament paintball; more players, more spectators, more vendors, more buzz, more significance than any other event in the industry," said Lane Wright Chief Operating Officer of PSP Events. In addition to the competition, we will also host the world's largest paintball tradeshow where everyone that's anyone comes to debut their latest and greatest gear for the upcoming season," added Wright. "It is the must attend event of the year for teams and paintball enthusiasts around the globe." PSP runs four major events around the country each season. The 2009 PSP season started on February 19th-22nd at the Phoenix Open, hosted in Glendale, Arizona at the University of Phoenix Stadium (site of the Super Bowl in 2008). The Mid-Atlantic Open followed April 30th-May 3rd at PBC Sports Park in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and then the Chicago Open which was hosted on June 24th-28th. Those three events lead into the World Cup, which is the largest and most prestigious event of the season each year.
About Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing
During the past year, more than 225PCTSM-assisted events generated in excess of $126 million in economic benefits for Polk County. PCTSM is Florida's only sports commission to have earned both the Florida Sports Foundation's coveted "Sports Commission of the Year" and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports "Organization of the Year". General information on sports in Polk County can be found by visiting the PCSM website at www.centralfloridasports.com.
About Paintball Sports Promotions
PSP Events is the most experienced tournament provider in the paintball industry. Comprised of manufacturers, distributers, professional players, and field and store owners, the diverse group that is PSP has a wealth of tournament paintball knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the industry from top to bottom. PSP has expanded the potential of tournament paintball with its ever evolving format. With an emphasis on fast-paced, exciting play, the format is a player favorite. Also more favorably comparable to other sports with which the public can identify, the RaceTo format is spectator friendly. Players love the competitive balance that only this format can provide. It all but eliminates fluke plays, lucky bounces, and questionable calls that plague competitors using other outdated formats. PSP is proud to be the leading producer of professional paintball tournaments worldwide and is constantly striving to bring our teams, players, sponsors, and spectators the pinnacle of our sport. For more information, visit www.pspevents.com.
About Fantasy of Flight
Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and an Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting). Recent additions to Fantasy of Flight attractions include The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit and a walking audio tour. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Hot air balloon rides and biplane rides are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 1-863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.
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