One of the benefits of living in Casper is that we are a central hub for the state. Because of our location, we host many different events that bring money into town, which means improved facilities, roads, schools, etc.

While most people realize the financial benefit of High school tournaments, Cavs' games, etc., we tend to over look the other types of events that bring money and notoriety to our windy little city. Take the 24th annual Casper Youth Basketball tournament that's taking place this weekend - over 300 teams from Wyoming and the surrounding states will converge on Casper, which means nearly $2 million dollars spent in two days. Read the press release below, then take some time this weekend to support these kids...after all, they're supporting you:


If you are wondering why every Hotel in Casper is full and local restaurants and shopping are busier than ever this weekend that is because the Casper Youth Basketball Tournament is hitting town! The City of Casper Recreation Division is hosting the 24th Annual Casper Youth Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2014 at several locations throughout Casper. Facilities that will be used over the two day tournament are: the Casper Recreation Center, Natrona County High School, Kelly Walsh High School, CY Junior High School, Dean Morgan Junior High School, Centennial Junior High School, Frontier Middle School, Casper College, and the YMCA. This is the largest basketball tournament in the State with 154 teams and nearly 1600 boys and girls in the 4th through 8th grades will be competing in 15 different divisions. The field includes 11 teams from Casper and 143 teams from Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

Over the two day basketball extravaganza, over 300 games will be played using seventeen different courts at the above gym locations. Games are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at most locations on Sunday. The public is encouraged to come out and support their favorite teams. An all-tournament pass good for the entire weekend at all sites costs $5 with children under 12 being admitted free. All proceeds generated from this tournament benefit the Community Recreation Foundation to provide scholarships and recreational programs for youth and seniors in Casper.

Some of the tournament highlights for participants include a Friday evening free throw contest and a free pool party on Saturday evening at the Casper Family Aquatics Center for participants. This two-day event should directly impact the Casper economy nearly 2 million dollars on hotel rooms, meals, shopping, transportation and other areas. For more information please call the Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383. Tournament schedules are available at www.crlasports.com.

 

 

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