ROSEVILLE — Boys basketball is shaping up to be the latest big success for Placer County’s tourism industry.
This weekend, over 5,000 high school players, coaches and fans will gather at the Roebbelen Center @the Grounds in Roseville, an event center capable of hosting 12 full-court basketball games simultaneously.
“It’s not something you see every day,” said Dave Kearns, marketing director for @the Grounds. “Personally, I love seeing the athletes come out here and give it their all and compete.”
This three-day basketball tournament will feature more than 160 teams from California and other western states. NCAA scouts from UCLA, Kentucky and other universities will gather to scout for the best players.
“College coaches are here to find the future generation of players that will thrive and star in March Madness, and the hope is that a few of these players will eventually play in the NBA,” Karns said.
These types of tournaments are part of Placer County’s plan to market itself as a sports tourism destination, and this weekend’s tournament is expected to generate $2 million in spending into the local economy.
The Best Western is one of several fully booked hotels in Roseville.
“It’s a great opportunity for hotels to do business and it creates a lot of opportunities for other companies,” Best Western general manager Dilawar Singh Shahad said.
In an effort to diversify tourism, Placer now hosts volleyball, pickleball, BMX, and even a Harry Potter-themed quadball tournament.
“This is a big boost for Placer Valley, and it’s a boost for Roseville,” Kearns said. “It helps people know who we are and what we can offer.”
Basketball tournaments will be held on Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m. and admission is $10 per person.
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