Rockford, IL – The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the High School National Invite (HSNI) has selected the Rockford region to host its 2024 tournament.
This two-day event will be held at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park, Friday-Saturday, June 7-8, 2024. The tournament will welcome 32 Ultimate teams from across the country, along with 900 family members, fans and coaches.
The High School National Invite was created by CUT Camp and Ultiworld and is an elite national tournament for youth Ultimate (frisbee) players from all over the country. Teams qualify by competing in tournaments and state championship events held around the country. Select tournaments provide a new way for teams to qualify for HSNI earlier in the season and start planning for their trips earlier; the winners from each elite division will earn an automatic bid to HSNI.
The tournament teams will be comprised of approximately 55% male athletes and 45% female athletes between the ages of 15- and 18-years old participating; 90% will come from outside of Illinois.
“The HSNI tournament is set to be hosted in the Rockford region in 2024 as it continues a geographical rotation on a rolling three-year basis. The Rockford region will complete the first geographical rotation before starting it again – 32 high school teams, will again be invited to play in the event based on performance during the 2023-2024 fall and spring seasons,” said Juan Acosta, HSNI tournament director and CUT Camp project manager. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the RACVB team and other partners in the community. Mercyhealth Sportscore Two is the perfect venue to host this elite tournament and we’re thrilled to be back in the Midwest once again.”
"We’re looking forward to working with CUT Camp, Ultiworld and area partners to bring this elite national Ultimate tournament back to the Rockford region after 5 years. This is a very big win for our entire community and a testament of our commitment to sports excellence,” said Lindsay Arellano, RACVB vice president of sales & service. “This partnership reaffirms our region’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination for top athletic competitions and we’re thrilled to welcome visitors here from across the country for the elite tournament weekend."
There is no cost to park or watch games and the public is encouraged to attend. For additional details about this tournament visit https://www.hsniulti.com/.
About the sport of ultimate: Ultimate is a flying disc sport that combines elements of football and soccer as teams score points by passing the disc and scoring in the opposing team’s end zone. Officiating is done by the players themselves through Spirit of the Game, a code of conduct that refers to the values of fair play, sportsmanship and respect that are integral to the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. It promotes self-officiating, honesty and a positive attitude among players. Players of Ultimate are responsible for enforcing rules and resolving disputes. (from www.wikipedia.org)
About RACVB: RACVB is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, RACVB strengthens the economic position of the region and provides opportunities for people in our communities. www.gorockford.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lindsay Arellano, RACVB vice president of sales & service; 815.489.1653; larellano@gorockford.com