Gymnastics Championships To Have Positive Economic Impact On Denton

3/27/03

DENTON — Hosting the USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships is more than just another sporting event for the Denton community, it also is an economic opportunity. Texas Woman's University, in conjunction with the Greater Denton Sports Commission, is hosting the championships April 17-19 in the Kitty Magee Arena at TWU.

Event organizers anticipate about 5,000 people will attend the championships, which will draw 16 men's and women's gymnastic teams from across the country. In 1995, the last time TWU hosted the championships, event attendance was about 5,000 people.

"There are tremendous economic impacts that are generated from such events — full hotels and increased restaurant and retail sales — and we're very excited about that," said Linda Ratliff, economic development director of the city of Denton.

The economic impact of the championships on the Denton community is estimated at more than $380,000, according to event organizers. Competitors, parents who come to Denton to watch their college-aged children compete and fans should have a significant impact on hotel room rentals, car rentals, and sales in local restaurants and shops, according to Greater Denton Sports Commission data.

Aside from the economic gains the championships are likely to generate, the event also will raise Denton's profile in the region and nationally.

"Events such as the USA Gymnastics championships bring the kind of positive national exposure to a community that is worth much, much more than the exposure we might get from placing an ad in a trade magazine," Ratliff said. "In the bigger scheme of things, the impact created for TWU in showcasing the campus and for the community in having so many eyes from outside Denton to be able to see what a great place this is — that's just priceless."

TWU Athletics Director Chalese Connors concurs. "It's an honor to showcase not only the fine gymnastics program and athletics program we have at the university, but the wonderful facilities at TWU and the city of Denton," she said. "I am very happy to welcome student athletes, family members and friends from all over the country to Denton."

The championships get underway the afternoon of April 17 with the women's team semifinals. The men's and women's team finals will be April 18 beginning at 1 p.m. Individual competition, both men's and women's, starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.

Tickets are $20 for an adult event pass and $15 for a student (age 7-17) event pass. Day passes are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Children age 6 and younger are admitted free. For tickets, call (940) 898-2373 or (888) 381-1818. Ticket information also is available at www.dentonsports.com/Gymnastics_Info.htm.

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For Further Information Contact:

Roy Kron
Director of News and Information
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: rkron@twu.edu