22-04-2025
GoRockford takes home top honor as sports tourism organization of the year
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford's visitor and convention bureau, GoRockford, has been named the 2025 Sports Tourism Organization of the Year, recognized as best in class among U.S. communities with a population of 500,000 or less.
GoRockford was selected from more than 80 national entries, and honored for its efforts in recruiting sporting events by the Sports Events & Tourism Association.
'This is a really big deal, not just for our team, but for Rockford and the region,' said John Groh, President and CEO of GoRockford. 'It affirms that what we're building here, a thriving, high-performing sports destination, continues to gain national attention. This recognition is a tribute to our hard-working staff and our board, partners and this community that supports and believes in the power of tourism to create opportunity.'
The team highlighted events such as the upcoming IRONMAN tournament, NXT Pro Basketball, and the National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships as examples of high-profile sports events drawn to the area.
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