Gonzaga Reaches Number One and Elevates Spokane’s Sports Profile
Spokane receives immeasurable national exposure because of GU
Spokane, Wa.(March 4, 2013) – Congratulations are in order as the Gonzaga Men’s Basketball program reaches number one in the country for the first time in school history. National sports media will be talking extensively about Gonzaga and likely talking about Spokane. This kind of media attention continues to expand Spokane’s reputation as a great place for sports.
“When we recruit new national and international sports tournaments, often we have to explain where Spokane is located,” says Eric Sawyer, Spokane Sports Commission President and CEO. “When we say we are the home of Gonzaga Basketball, suddenly there is a connection. Having a top-ranked program like Gonzaga’s located in Spokane helps illustrate that our town is a great place for sports.”
Gonzaga’s number one status continues a huge month for sports in Spokane. Gonzaga will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center. Continuing tournament action in Spokane, Washington State University will host the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. All of the tournament games will be nationally televised. Also in March, Spokane hosts its largest annual tournament, the USA Volleyball Pacific Northwest Qualifier (PNQ). At the end of March, USA Boxing brings the National Championships to Spokane for the first tournament of an unprecedented four-year agreement.
About Spokane Sports Commission
Sports don't just entertain. They improve communities. They drive economies. And no other organization brings sports events to the Inland Northwest like the Spokane Regional Sports Commission. Our vision is to establish the Spokane region as the premier destination for youth and amateur sports in the Western United States generating a significant economic impact, improving the quality of life, while bringing prominence and recognition to the Inland Northwest. For more information, please visit our website www.spokanesports.org.
