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Two Edmond sporting events are recognized as 2023 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading national magazine with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors. Forty-three winners are responsible for adding more than $932 million to the U.S. economy. “Out of ten small market champions, Edmond is proud to have two winners,” said Jennifer Thornton, Edmond Tourism Director.

Cover photo: 2022 OSSAA State Football Championships pictured from left to right: David Jackson, Executive Director of OSSAA Darrell Davis, Edmond Mayor Stan Wagnon, University of Central Oklahoma Athletic Director Jennifer Thornton, Visit Edmond Tourism Director

The 2022 Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association (OSSAA) State Football Championships at the University of Central Oklahoma and 2023 State Title Belt Baseball & Softball Tournament at Mitch and Hafer Parks won well-deserved recognition.

“The City of Edmond and UCO’s Chad Richison Stadium provided the perfect setting for a single-destination celebration of Oklahoma high school football,” said Stan Wagnon, Athletic Director for the University of Central Oklahoma. Edmond welcomed fourteen teams (over 1,400 athletes, cheerleaders, bands, families and fans). This event was set apart by its first-rate competition venue and strong commitment to hospitality and service for participants’ and attendees’ overall experience. The stadium’s central location made the championship games accessible to teams and families from

2023 State Title Belt Youth Baseball/Softball Champioships pictured from left to right: Darrell Davis, Edmond Mayor  Jennifer Thornton, Visit Edmond Tourism Director  Jeff Ludlam, Edmond Youth Sports Association Director

across the state. The OSSAA State Football Championships brought $5.17 million in economic impact according to the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

In its inaugural year, the State Title Belt Tournament drew 1,800 athletes aged 18 and under. “Boys and girls competed in this baseball and softball tournament from across the state, vying for a State Title Belt,” said Jeff Ludlam with Edmond Youth Sports Association. The tournament utilized two city-owned parks, J.L. Mitch Sports Fields and A.C. Caplinger Sports Complex, for the three-day tournament. The State Title Belt Youth Softball and Baseball Tournament brought $5.1 million in total economic impact to the City of Edmond according to the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

Mayor Darrell Davis recognized Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association, the University of Central Oklahoma and Edmond Youth Sports Association at the Annual Tourism Holiday Party at 1884 inside Edmond Railyard (23 West 1st Street) at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 4.