Greene County News
BEAVERCREEK — The Beavercreek Soccer Association announced that nearly 600 teams from a five-state region will play in the BSA’s Eighth Annual Haunted Classic Soccer Tournament, Oct. 15-16.
The event, the largest two-day soccer tournament in the nation, will bring close to 9,000 families, 18,000 spectators and more than $5 million in tourist spending to the region, said Tournament Co-Director Tim Grinstead.
“This tournament produces more than 2,000 room nights for area hotels,” said Kathleen Wright, Executive Director of the Greene County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Teams travel more than 500 miles in a weekend to make the Haunted Classic an annual fall tradition. They keep coming back, because they love how they’re treated – at our local hotels, restaurants and by all the volunteers they interact with. This loyalty speaks volumes to the quality of people in our community.”
Teams will travel up to 400 miles away, from Missouri, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, and throughout Ohio to play in the tournament, which is hosted at three locations: Ankeney Fields and Hobson Freedom Park, in Beavercreek; and the Oakwood Athletic Complex at Old River.
“The Haunted Classic has grown to become the largest two-day soccer tournament in the nation, primarily because of the tremendous support we get throughout the community,” said Grinstead. “We have more than 600 volunteers, generous sponsors and great support from Greene County, City of Beavercreek, Beavercreek Township and the City of Oakwood.”
Beavercreek Mayor Bob Stone said, “Volunteers are the backbone of every community, and we are so proud of ours. I wish to thank them all for being a part of this wonderful tournament. As the Mayor, and on behalf of the Beavercreek City Council, we welcome all the teams and wish them each the best throughout the tournament. Be safe, be happy, and just have fun as you enjoy all the on- and off-the-field activities in our community.”
“The Haunted Classic Tournament has grown over the years to be a fun-filled fall tournament that attracts teams from throughout Ohio and the surrounding states,” said Ann Upthegrove-Vore, President/CEO of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a wonderful event, providing a $5 million economic boost to our local businesses, parks and area attractions.”
Grinstead said the tournament was able to grow because of the support from Greene County Parks & Trails and the tournament’s use of its 90 acres and 20 soccer fields at Hobson Freedom Park.
“Our tournament really took off in 2010, which was the first year we used the fields at Hobson Freedom Park,” said Grinstead.
“Our tournament-quality athletic fields at Hobson Freedom Park require a lot of our park agency resources, but give back so much to the community,” said Greene County Parks & Trails Director Chrisbell Bednar. “They help us use our natural resources to create recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors. It also helps us bring in outside dollars, so we can better serve the recreational needs of our residents,” she said.
For more information on the Haunted Classic Soccer Tournament visit www.hauntedclassic.com.