USA Boxing back in Lafayette this weekend, expected to ring in economic boost
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- USA Boxing returns to Lafayette with women's championship bouts from Saturday to Tuesday.
The prestigious event is expected to not only put on a great show with world-class boxing, but it can also bring a huge economic impact to the city.
Lafayette Travel CEO Ben Berthelot estimates that the weekend event will result in 2,300 room nights, with more than $1.1 million in economic impact.
"We have a chance to get people here for the first time. There will be many first-time attendees to the area, and we know that once we get people here, we have them hooked and they will be repeat visitors later on in their lives," Berthelot said.
The event will happen at the Cajundome Convention Center. More than 150 fighters from all over the country will compete for the national title, in their respective weight-class.
In addition to bringing an economic boost, USA Boxing says the weekend event will also bring more eyes to women's boxing in general.
"This is also a stepping stone so we can have more female participants, more female coaches, more female officials, and more female administrators in our sport," said USA Boxing CEO Mike McAtee.
Lafayette is slowly becoming a hub for combat sports as this marks the third USA event in less than two years. McAtee said the city has always welcomed the sport with open arms as they will continue to host events in Lafayette.
"Our peers ask us what we think about Lafayette. We don't have anything bad to say. This is a great city, a great state, and a great team to work with," McAtee said.
Tickets are still on sale to witness the top boxing talent the United States has to offer.