Chris Cannon posted on December 12, 2011 14:51
Monday, December 12, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NAIA Championship expected to generate $1.15 million into local economy
ROME, GA. — This week's NAIA Football National Championship is expected to have an economic impact of approximately $1.15 million in Rome and Floyd County, the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) announced Monday.
GRCVB officials estimate that over 2,000 out-of-town visitors are expected to travel into Rome for the weekend. Additionally, more than 3,000 locals are expected to attend the match-up between Carroll College from Montana and Saint Xavier University from Illinois.
Saturday’s game will be played at Barron Stadium, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. It will be broadcast on CBS Sports.
The event is estimated to bring in at least 1,000 plus hotel room nights to Rome from Wednesday, Dec. 14 to Saturday, Dec. 17.
Teams are housed in the Holiday Inn Express and the Country Inn and Suites. Fans and officials are spread throughout the city’s hotels.
"For the third year, Carroll College will a part of the excitement that a collegiate championship brings to our city,” said Lisa Smith, executive director of the GRCVB.
"And we are very excited to welcome Saint Xavier for the first time," said Smith. "They are within driving distance, so we look forward to a large number of their fans in Rome."
Teams will arrive in Rome on Wednesday and begin a circuit of activities including visiting local schools, a luncheon, the NAIA banquet and numerous practice sessions before the championship game on Saturday.
The championship has been hosted in Rome since 2008 and has infused over $5 million into the local economy through travel and tourism during that time period.
Rome and Floyd County will host the NAIA Football National Championship through 2015.
###
The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.