STCU CONTINUES GENEROUS SUPPORT OF SPORTS TOURISM IN SPOKANE

Spokane, Washington (October 5, 2022) Spokane Sports, in partnership with STCU, announces two first-of-their kind events for the 2022-2023 indoor track & field season – one for the community, and one for top high school athletes.
 
Both are expected to become annual traditions at Spokane’s newest sports venue, The Podium Powered by STCU.
 
Registration for the Spokane Speed Games & STCU West Coast Indoor Track & Field Championships will open on November 1, 2022 on Athletic.net.

On Saturday, December 17, The Podium will host the Spokane Speed Games. This community “all-comers” event will give anyone the opportunity to lace up their running shoes, and experience the state-of-the-art banked indoor track. That day, kids in third through fifth grades can participate in a youth run-jump-throw clinic at The Podium, with a throwing clinic for middle and high schoolers as well.
 
The evening’s main events are races for middle school through masters, with distances from 60m to 3k. The highlight: men’s and women’s mile run to determine Spokane’s fastest milers.

On March 3–4, the first created indoor track and field championship on the west coast will take place at The Podium. The STCU West Coast Indoor Track & Field Championships are expected to draw 800 competitors, with an economic benefit of $2.6 million for the local economy. The championship will be the last track & field event at The Podium for the 2022-2023 season. The facility then will be converted to courts for the upcoming basketball and volleyball seasons, followed by graduation ceremonies, and other cultural, community and sports events.
 
“The variety of planned events show the range of versatility for this exciting new public facility,” said STCU President and CEO Ezra Eckhardt. “It is exceeding expectations as a community gathering place, while helping cement Spokane’s reputation as a world-class sports destination.”
 
Opened in December 2021, The Podium Powered by STCU is expected to account for 25,000 visitors and $33 million in annual spending, according to Gonzaga University projections.

The Podium is operated by the Spokane Public Facilities District, a public entity overseen by a board of local residents, to ensure the development, upkeep and operation of public facilities. Other PFD facilities are the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane Convention Center, and First Interstate Center for the Arts, home to STCU Best of Broadway productions.

ABOUT SPOKANE SPORTS
Founded in 1989, Spokane Sports is a non-profit, economic development organization responsible for recruiting, retaining, and facilitating sports events for the Spokane region. As advocates for sports development, our efforts help our region realize the economic, social, and community development benefits of sports. Learn more by visiting us online.
 
ABOUT THE PODIUM POWERED BY STCU
Spokane is proud to announce an all new, indoor multi-sport venue, highlighted by the only hydraulic-banked running track in the West. Completed in Fall 2021, this new facility is located in the heart of downtown, giving athletes front door access to restaurants, hotels, entertainment and more.

Questions? Please contact Spokane Sports Director of Sports Management Anna Alsept