COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO — The annual Rocky Mountain State Games is a big economy boost for Colorado Springs. Up to $8 million every year, according to City Sports Corp officials.
The games are Colorado's largest multi-sport festival for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities. More than 10,000 athletes and their families visit Colorado Springs every year.
"I would say about half are definitely from out of town [or] out of state," said the city's Sports Corp marketing manager Lauren DeMarco.
This year, there are more than 30 different sports. With more added every year, DeMarco said she hopes to attract more out-of-towners.
But why Colorado Springs?
"Easy answer, we're Olympic city USA, we want to be the hub for all things sports and athletes," said DeMarco.
A hockey team from Nebraska has been to Colorado Springs before for a few competitions. One parent, Craig Longua, said he always finds new places to explore.
"We did the Royal Gorge train, the Royal Gorge bridge, went up to Cave of the Winds, Garden of the Gods," said Longua.
The Colorado Springs Visitor Center reported 23 million visitors in 2021. About 70 percent of them were repeat visitors.
"We have a wife and daughter at home and they want to come out here and vacation again, probably next year hopefully," said Longua.
The competition goes from July 21st through 23rd. Colorado is one of 30 states to have Olympic-style competitions. There will be gold, silver and bronze winners in every sport by the end of the weekend.
Athletes from across the state will be competing this weekend.
Below is a list of some of the sports that you will see:
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Pickleball
- Powerlifting
- Tennis
All of these sports will be played throughout the weekend all day, across various locations. For more information, visit the Rocky Mountain State Games Website.
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