ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – The Resch Center is gearing up for the state girls basketball tournament this weekend, and local businesses are also prepared to bring in some extra money.
“Bringing people from all across the state – and depending on how teams turn out their fans, anywhere from 30,000-40,000 people will be coming to the area. So it’s a great shot in the arm,” says Terry Charles of PMI Entertainment, “The biggest thing we do here besides Disney On Ice is the girls state tournament. This draws the most people we get for an event over a 2-3 day period.”
That large influx of people over such a short span will likely fill restaurants and stores around the Green Bay area this weekend, adding a significant boost to their profits.
“We definitely see an uptick, especially around the stadium and Resch Center. But the families and teams are spread throughout the entire community,” says Brenda Krainik of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, “Thursday to Saturday, there is an economic impact of about $2.2 million. That is a great impact for the month of March.”
And while the tournament is generally about high school girls playing great basketball, the experience is more than just your typical basketball tournament. Teams might venture out to check out Lambeau Field or other local landmarks during their downtime.
“That’s new experiences for them – and that makes it more exciting for us to have them in our community, and for them to be here,” Krainik explains.
Crews finished applying temporary decals to the hardwood at the Resch Center on Wednesday – those covered up the usually Horizon League Conference logos. Those are accompanied by permanent WIAA logos installed with the new floor this year.
“We ordered a couple sections with the WIAA logo painted on it. So that will be a permanent fixture for future state tournaments,” Charles tells WTAQ News, “For player and coaches who are participating, it’s an exciting time. So obviously, that brings excitement to us because it’s a special time for them.”
Those decals bring a special feeling about the event to players, coaches, and those involved with the WIAA.
“It makes it real. It’s finally here. The girls that are coming to participate will feel this has been a long time coming, and they’ll know Green Bay is ready for them,” Assistant director of WIAA, Kate Peterson Abiad says, “The outreach here has just been tremendous when it comes to welcoming the teams and preparing for the arrival of the teams.”
Fifteen hotels across the Green Bay area will be welcoming and hosting teams during the tournament.
