The annual Nike New England Winterfest Volleyball Tournament kicks off Saturday at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford with 6,500 youth volleyball players on 590 teams from across the Northeast competing.
The tournament – which includes boys and girls and competitions in different age groups – will take place over three consecutive weekends at the convention center, located at 100 Columbus Blvd.
Organizers said the tournament will bring 22,000 visitors to downtown Hartford.
“This annual tournament is a great economic boost for the Greater Hartford region,” said Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. “The dynamic event is expected to generate approximately $6.84 million in revenue over its three weekends as visitors stay in over 30 area hotels, dine in local restaurants, shop in the region.and enjoy nearby attractions.” Murdock, who leads the state’s official meeting and sports event sales and marketing organization, estimates that 2,240 jobs in the hospital industry will be supported by the tournament and more than $462,000 in Connecticut taxes will be generated.
It’s the 12th year that the convention center has hosted the tournament.
