More games, more visitors, more spending

Double-elimination format expected to boost Iowa state softball’s economic impact

For the first time in its history, the Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament will be played using a double-elimination format, a change expected to keep teams in Fort Dodge longer and generate as much as $2 million in direct visitor spending.

The tournament begins today at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex, where 40 teams competing across five classes will compete for state championships.

With every team guaranteed more than one game, community leaders expect athletes, coaches and fans to spend additional nights in local hotels, eat more meals in area restaurants and make more stops at stores, gas stations and attractions throughout the week.

"With the transition of the state softball championships to a double-elimination format, every team will have the opportunity to play additional games, resulting in longer stays for participating teams and their fans," said Kerrie Kuiper, executive director of Visit Fort Dodge. "As a result, we anticipate a significant increase in the tournament's economic impact on local hotels, restaurants, gas stations, retail businesses and attractions."

Previous estimates placed the tournament's direct economic impact at roughly $1 million annually. This year's expanded schedule is projected to increase direct visitor spending to between $1.5 million and $2 million.

According to Kuiper, that estimate is conservative, and because this is the first year under the new format, Visit Fort Dodge will collect attendance, lodging and visitor spending data after the tournament to better measure its long-term economic impact.

"The recent City of Fort Dodge investment in the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex improvements made it possible for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to transition the state softball championships to a double-elimination tournament," Kuiper said.

The benefits extend beyond dollars and cents.

Kuiper said the new format also enhances the experience for every student-athlete who qualifies for state competition.

"Beyond the economic benefits, the greatest impact is on the student-athletes," Kuiper said. "The double-elimination format provides every team with more time on the fields at Harlan Rogers Sports Complex, regardless of the outcome of their first game. For many athletes, competing in the Iowa Girls State Softball Championships is the highlight of years of dedication that began when they first began playing softball as young girls. This enhanced format allows them to make the most of that experience."

Community leaders say the tournament continues to demonstrate Fort Dodge's ability to host one of Iowa's premier sporting events through collaboration among businesses, volunteers, local governments and organizations.

"The Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament is far more than a week of competition; it's a significant economic driver, both direct and indirect, for our retail economy, and a powerful example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together," said Astra Ferris, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. "From our volunteers and local businesses to our schools, local governments and community partners, this event showcases the Fort Dodge region's ability to collaborate toward a common goal."

Ferris said that spirit of cooperation creates a positive experience for thousands of visitors while strengthening the community's reputation statewide.

"That spirit of partnership not only creates an exceptional experience for thousands of visitors each year, but also reinforces our reputation as a community that works together to deliver results," said Ferris.

As thousands of players, families and fans descend on Fort Dodge this week, community leaders say the tournament once again highlights the city's continued investment in sports tourism, an investment expected to pay even greater dividends under the tournament's new format.