One of Dayton’s biggest events will stay in the city through 2024 with new deal

Students from Miamisburg High School perform during the Winter Guard International World Championships at UD Arena in 2017. MARSHALL GORBY/STAFF

Students from Miamisburg High School perform during the Winter Guard International World Championships at UD Arena in 2017. MARSHALL GORBY/STAFF

The Winter Guard International World Championships, one of the largest events in the Miami Valley, will be hosted in Dayton through 2024.

The WGI Board of Directors renewed Dayton as the host city from 2020-2024 at its recent annual meeting. WGI is a visual arts performing organization that hosts competitions for color guard, percussion and wind instrument competitions.

READ MORE: 11 things you ought to know about Winter Guard International Championships by the numbers

WGI championships bring 60,000 visitors to the area and almost $20 million in revenue over the course of the two championship weekends, according to a news release. The WGI headquarters office will also remain in Dayton.

A major factor in the board’s decision to remain in Dayton was the $72 million renovation the University of Dayton Arena is undergoing. The University of Dayton has installed new seats and handrails, improved ADA seating and new video boards. Upcoming improvements include two new entrances, a new ticket box office, upgraded restrooms and concessions and air conditioning.

“We feel privileged to be the home of WGI’s world headquarters and their World Championship events and look forward to a partnership that will continue to grow for many years into the future,” Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau President Jacquelyn Powell said in the news release.

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