Trap competition serves as big tourist draw week of Feb. 18
by Pima County News on Feb. 18, 2013, under Economic Development, Pima County, Southern Arizona, Sports, Tucson, Uncategorized
Gems, rodeos and golf aren’t the only tourist draws this month.
More than 1,200 participants, nearly all of them from out of town, will participate in one of the country’s premier amateur trapshooting competitions this week through Feb. 24 at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club.
The Spring Satellite Grand American, in which competitors shoot at clay pigeons released from a spring trap, is expected to entice participants from at least 42 of the 50 states, as well as international participants from Canada, Mexico and New Zealand.
Although the attraction has more than 700 members, tournaments are a mainstay at the nonprofit Club, which sits on 380 acres in westernPimaCounty, including 300 acres leased fromPimaCounty. The club has served shooting sportsmen since 1948.
Club President Lee Bachman said the economic impact is significant. Although hookups exist for approximately 200 recreational vehicles on site, that leaves another 1,000 participants in this event securing lodging elsewhere. Tournament attendees visit local restaurants and purchase products from local vendors, while spouses who aren’t competing often go shopping or visit popular tourist destinations, he said.
Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, who sits on the board of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities and who represents the Club area, noted that an economic analysis performed by the County in 2010 estimated the facility draws more than 4,800 visitors to the area annually, directly infusing $5.3 million into the economy. Using a conservative multiplier, the economic impact of the out-of-town visitors could be close to $10 million.
“We’re thrilled to be able to share this premier attraction – and our great weather – with visitors who come here for regional and national competitions,” Bronson said.
It’s free for visitors to watch the competitions, which take place daily, and practice fields are available for target shooting.
For more information, please visit http://www.tucsontrapandskeet.com/
