Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships Expected to Bring Dollars To Snohomish County

Snohomish County officials expect an international gymnastics competition will bring $2.5 million to the area next March.

The Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championship will take place March 16 to 18 at Comcast Arena in Everett. Organizers expect more than 25,000 visitors to book over 3,500 hotel room nights during the competition. The Championships be the largest international gymnastics event held in the state of Washington since the 1990 Goodwill Games.

International media are expected to cover the event, which will give Snohomish County the chance to promote itself as a tourism destination. NBC Sports will televise the competition.

The Pacific Rim Gynmastics Championships will feature more than 300 of the world’s best gymnasts competing in a variety of gynmastic disciplines, including rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline. The athletes will come from from more than 14 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore and the United States.

The Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships are held every two years. Last year, the event took place in Melbourne, Australia.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said she believes the event represents a big win for Snohomish County and the state of Washington.

“Hosting an event of this stature is a huge honor for the state of Washington and the city of Everett,” said Gov. Gregoire. “It not only allows Washingtonians to be a part of the road to the 2012 Olympics in London, but it also will be a boost for local hotels, restaurants and shopkeepers. This event will bring the world to Washington's door.”

All-session tickets are now on sale. Ticket prices range from $110 to $250 (including facility fees) and may be purchased at the Comcast Arena at Everett Box Office, by phone at 866.332.8499, online through www.ComcastArenaEverett.com, or through participating area gymnastics clubs. For more information, go to www.usagym.org/events.