Placer County: A Sports Tourism Destination on the Rise with Boys Basketball

Placer County is quickly establishing itself as a sports tourism destination, thanks to the popularity of boys basketball. This weekend, over 5,000 high school players, coaches, and fans have gathered at the Roebbelen Center at @the Grounds in Roseville. The event center’s ability to accommodate 12 full-court basketball games simultaneously has made it a hub of excitement for the sport.

Dave Karnes, who is in charge of marketing at @the Grounds, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting such events and watching athletes give their all on the court. The three-day basketball tournament has attracted more than 160 teams from California and other western states, with NCAA scouts from prestigious schools like UCLA and Kentucky present to find future stars for their programs or the NBA.

The success of this tournament is part of Placer County’s strategy to establish itself as a sports tourism destination. According to Karnes, these events not only bring economic benefits but also showcase what the region has to offer. Local hotels like Best Western in Roseville are fully booked due to the influx of visitors, benefiting other businesses in the area as well.

In addition to basketball tournaments, Placer Valley and Roseville have been expanding their sports offerings to include volleyball, pickleball, BMX competitions, and even Harry Potter-themed quadball competitions. These diverse events aim to attract visitors from all walks of life and provide an opportunity for them to experience what Placer County has to offer. The basketball competition will continue throughout the weekend with admission priced at $10 per person.