Over 350 teams and 10,000 spectators were supposed to be filling 29
different Springfield gyms this week for the Home School National
Basketball Tournament.
But as with many other events, the tourney was cancelled because of the coronavirus threat. Tim Flatt, the Executive Director of the Home School National Tournament, said it was not an easy decision as tourney officials had to weigh the health concerns against the cherished memories for fans and players that would never be realized if the games weren't played.
"The parents think we made a great decision but the kids are heartbroken," Flatt said. "The last thing we wanted to do though was be responsible for bringing the virus to this area. We love Springfield.
We love the leadership and the friendliness of the people and we want to keep a long-term relationship here."
The emotional toll is not the only problem developing though.
According to officials with the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sports Commission, the economic impact from losing the tournament effects everything from the city's potential gas and food revenue to over 7,000 room-nights at local hotels that are lost.
So now the tourism industry will have to wait and see how bad things get.
"I've never seen anything like it," Kimberlin said. "And I hope I never see anything like it again."
"How's this all going to play out?" Kettering added. "It's just uncharted territory."
Read more at: Area Convention and Visitors Bureau paints bleak picture on virus' economic impact
But as with many other events, the tourney was cancelled because of the coronavirus threat. Tim Flatt, the Executive Director of the Home School National Tournament, said it was not an easy decision as tourney officials had to weigh the health concerns against the cherished memories for fans and players that would never be realized if the games weren't played.
"The parents think we made a great decision but the kids are heartbroken," Flatt said. "The last thing we wanted to do though was be responsible for bringing the virus to this area. We love Springfield.
We love the leadership and the friendliness of the people and we want to keep a long-term relationship here."
The emotional toll is not the only problem developing though.
According to officials with the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sports Commission, the economic impact from losing the tournament effects everything from the city's potential gas and food revenue to over 7,000 room-nights at local hotels that are lost.
So now the tourism industry will have to wait and see how bad things get.
"I've never seen anything like it," Kimberlin said. "And I hope I never see anything like it again."
"How's this all going to play out?" Kettering added. "It's just uncharted territory."
Read more at: Area Convention and Visitors Bureau paints bleak picture on virus' economic impact
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