Tourism bureau brings chess tournament to Rockford
RRSTAR.COM STAFF REPORTS
Posted Feb 27, 2012 @ 08:00 PM
ROCKFORD — Hundreds of elementary and middle school chess enthusiasts from across Illinois will compete in a state scholastic tournament this weekend at the Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center.
More than 450 players already have registered for the 2012 Illinois State K-8 Chess Championship, including 21 from Rockford, and registration is still open. The event is expected to pump an estimated $250,000 in revenue into the local economy, according to information from the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
It’s the first time the state chess tournament will be in Rockford since 1997.
The Rockford region competed against several other communities to host it, including the northwestern Chicago suburbs.
The RACVB put together a bid for the event by working closely with the Rockford chapter of the Illinois Chess Association, selecting venues and hotel rooms, creating a family fun night for Friday and organizing discounts at area sites and attractions, said Kristina DeCoster, spokeswoman for the RACVB.
For more information on schedule, costs and registration, go to the Illinois Chess Association’s website.
Source: http://www.rrstar.com
Interesting angle.