“This is the largest soccer tournament in the area for 2015 in terms of the number of teams participating, and we estimate economic impact around $4.5 million,” said Allen Stebelton, the Greene County Convention and Visitors Bureau sales manager. “The impact on tourism, as with all our major soccer events, is very large. It is one of the best weekends of the year for our hotels, restaurants and attractions.”
Tourists for the event will use about 40 hotels in Greene and Montgomery counties, Stebelton added.
The Haunted Classic follows the annual Creek Classic Soccer Tournament which was held in Beavercreek in May. That event attracted approximately 6,000 soccer players from 450 teams.
The Creek Classic had a $2.5 million economic impact on the area and attracted 19,000 people, according to the county’s CVB estimates.
This weekend, the convention bureau does not anticipate the Haunted Classic will cause traffic congestion, Stebelton said.
“The Beavercreek Soccer Association staff and volunteers have a great amount of experience in dealing with traffic for their major events and this year have arranged for additional off-site parking with shuttle service to and from the Ankeney Complex,” Stebelton said.
A new roadway exit provided by Greene County commissioners and CEMEX, a cement manufacturer, is expected to also relieve tournament traffic congestion. The new exit will improve traffic and access for safety or emergency vehicles, according to the county.
“The commissioners are continuing to make a commitment to improving Hobson park,” said Greene County Commissioner Bob Glaser. “In the last few years, we have done several projects including building a shelter, supplying fencing for security purposes. We’re in the process of putting in an irrigation system and this road is just another example of our commitment to improve the park for the usage of our citizens.”
About the Author