Mid-Atlantic girls’ volleyball tournament drives significant economic impact in Washington, DC, spiking off-season visitation with thousands of entries by players, scouts, sponsors, and fans over the three-day Presidents’ Day weekend
(Washington, DC) – The nation’s capital welcomes more than 12,000 female athletes, spectators and staff to the Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic, Feb. 16-18, 2019. The 13th annual tournament is pure girl power: 968 volleyball teams will play on 122 regulation courts inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
“The Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic continues to achieve citywide convention status over the three-day holiday weekend, which is great for Washington, DC because it’s a traditionally slower season for hotels,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. “With an abundance of new hotels, restaurants and businesses open since last year’s tournament, we are excited to welcome thousands of athletes and their families to discover the real DC during their time in the nation’s capital.”
In 2019, a network of 122 courts covering 755,000-square feet of space will host 3,687 matches managed by 225 referees.
“It has been humbling to watch the growth of this tournament over the past 13 years,” said Barry Goldberg, CHVC Tournament Director. “The place is always packed. It’s truly a sight to behold. Our focus has been on building the sport, bringing the best players to compete, and providing a great experience for everyone who attends.”
On Friday, Feb. 15, Destination DC hosts its members for its fourth annual volleyball tournament that raises funds for the American Experience Foundation (AEF), its affiliated 501-c-3. AEF enriches the lives of low-income students through inspirational travel experiences and educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. In 2018, the foundation awarded $15,000 in scholarships to six students. Awards included the 2018 Gregory McCarthy Scholarship Award, recognizing exemplary leadership qualities, and an academy alumna award to provide ongoing support to a deserving DC AOHT graduate.
“The member volleyball tournament is a great way for the hospitality industry to unite in support of AEF and invest in our community’s youth,” said Ferguson.
The tournament kick-starts DC’s 2019 calendar of family-friendly sporting events including the Rock and Roll Marathon (March 9); Washington Nationals opening day (March 28); NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Eastern Regional - Sweet Sixteen (March 29-31); Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run (April 7); Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge (April 12-14) and the fourth annual DC Bike Ride (May 18).
“For more than a decade, the Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic has become a winter-sports tradition in the District that energizes not only the 2.3 million square feet of space within the Walter E. Washington Convention but also across the District with much economic activity. It remains our honor to host and celebrate the success of nearly 12,000 young female athletes and a tournament that values hard work, teamwork and sportsmanship. Best of luck to all participating athletes and their families, we look forward to the tournament’s continued growth and visibility on a global platform,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and CEO of Events DC.
The Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday (Feb. 16) and Sunday (Feb. 17) and 8 a.m. on Monday (Feb. 18). Tickets may be pre-purchased online for $38 (full three-day access) or $15 (daily admissions). On-site tickets will be sold in the Grand Lobby entrance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for $40 (full three-day access) or $20 (daily admission) via credit card only. Children age 9 and under are free with an adult present at the ticket station.
About Destination DC
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. www.washington.org
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus, including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the recently opened Entertainment and Sports Arena. www.eventsdc.com
Contact:
Danielle Davis, Destination DC
202-789-7046
[email protected]
Rebecca Doser, Destination DC
202-789-7079
[email protected]
Ashley Forrester, Events DC
202-439-7109
[email protected]
Nancy Yasharoff, Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic
202-531-0162
[email protected]
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February 15, 2019