EMERSON, Ga. — LakePoint Sporting Community announced a historic deal with the United States Basketball Association (USBA) to make LakePoint and the surrounding area the site for consecutive USBA National Championships. The Championship event will take place July 7-11, 2015. The first year, the tournaments will take place throughout Cobb and Bartow County, and the 2016 Championship being played at LakePoint.
“The entire Cobb and Bartow County communities and LakePoint are honored to be named as the host for the USBA National Championship and have the opportunity to feature some of the top youth basketball players in the country and world,” said Earl Ehrhart, CEO, LakePoint Sports. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with USBA and its partners to create a showcase event for thousands of youth basketball teams.”
More than 500 youth basketball teams consisting of boys and girls ages 8 to 18 participate in the USBA National Championship. Throughout the year, USBA basketball teams participate in tournaments, camps and clinics throughout America and abroad.
“Atlanta has long been considered a great fit to host the USBA National Championship, and we are pleased to establish an agreement with LakePoint, the world’s largest youth tournament sports destination,” said Blake Thompson, USBA Vice President. “LakePoint will provide USBA players, their families, coaches and spectators a one-of-a-kind experience.”
The USBA National Championship has been tremendously beneficial to its host city, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors and creating an economic impact to the area of more than $13 million. Also, during the National Championship, some of the best current and former NCAA coaches and players will participate in a clinic for all participating in the championship event.
“We couldn’t be more excited to make Atlanta and LakePoint the home of USBA basketball for years to come,” said Dan Corso, Executive Director of the Atlanta Sports Council. “We look forward to building a tremendous partnership with the USBA, and promoting LakePoint and Cobb County to youth basketball participants throughout the United States.”
The USBA National Championship is moving to Atlanta from N. Myrtle Beach, SC. The National tournament has increased participation incrementally since its inaugural year in 2005.
USBA National Championship participants will also attend an outstanding opening ceremonies event. Keynote speakers at the event in the past, have included a former Duke All American and 1st round NBA draft pick Jay Williams, Basketball Hall of Fame member Nancy Lieberman and Former Georgia Tech and Final Four Coach Bobby Cremins.
"The Cobb Sports Alliance is proud to continue our partnership with the Atlanta Sports Council, Cobb County School District and LakePoint Sports," said Rachel Rogers, Sports Sales and Service Manager for the Cobb Travel and Tourism. "The USBA championship is going to be a great experience for the players, their fans and local residents, as well as a great win for our sports tourism industry."