Every year the SAC Columbia Invitational Memorial Day Tournament has grown in size and numbers, and this year was no exception. Reaching its largest numbers to date, the tournament reached the peak of what can be supported without expanding into other facilities and counties. According to Matt Libber, the VP of Operations and Business Development, “the tournament is currently spread over 4 counties in Maryland with over 1,000 games played in 16 different locations on 54 fields.”
If the number of venues wasn’t impressive enough, Elite Tournaments has also
reached the pinnacle of teams that these 54 fields can support within the current bounds. “In 2006, 236 teams competed in the SAC Columbia Invitational Memorial Day Tournament” says Libber, but this year a whopping “636 teams were registered, meaning over 11,500 players participated in the event.”
The tournament has turned into more than a state competition. 60% of the teams came in from out of Maryland from states including Connecticut, Florida, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Because of the staggering number of out of state players the economic impact of the event is a huge benefit for Maryland bringing over $7 million for the event weekend.
As the event has
expanded, national sponsors have come in to support the tournament. Companies from Maryland, such as Under Armour, Howard County Tourism and Anne Arundel CVB are huge supporters of the tournament, but national sponsors like Nesquik and Coca-Cola have also joined in. This year you could even take a picture with the Nesquik bunny, who was roaming around the tournament.
The SAC Columbia Invitational Memorial Day Tournament really is a Maryland staple, and we cannot wait to see what they come up with for next year. For more information about Elite Tournaments visit http://www.elitetournaments.com/
