Glass Blown Open Brings in $2 Million Boost for Emporia, Kansas

The small town of Emporia, Kansas, is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the Glass Blown Open (GBO) tournament for its 15th year running. What started as a humble B-Tier event in 2003 has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious disc golf tournaments globally. The GBO's continued success has brought in a staggering $2 million economic impact on Emporia, solidifying it as the city's biggest outdoor attraction.

According to Susan Rathke, Director of the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the $2 million figure takes into account not only tournament fees but also hotel bookings, food, entertainment, and transportation for the thousands of sports tourists who flock to the town. This week-long event is headlined by the three-day PDGA National Tour, which will draw top players from around the world.

Hotels in Emporia have been booked solid for months, with over 700 beds reserved. Campgrounds are filled to capacity, and Airbnb rentals are scarce, forcing some participants to stay as far as an hour outside of town. For a city with a normal population of under 25,000, the influx of players is remarkable.

"It's like a different world," says Saundra Hays, Director of Sales for the Avasté Hotel Suites & Convention Center. "The difference in our population doubles when the GBO and Dirty Kanza bike race are here." The Avasté has seen its occupancy triple during these events, with all 90 rooms filled.

While the economic impact is significant, it's not just about the money. The GBO has become a melting pot of cultures, attracting participants from 44 states and 10 countries. Hays highlights the unique opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and experience different cultures. "Emporia may not have these types of cultures naturally, but we're open to embracing them," she says.

One notable example of Emporia's hospitality is the story of a Swedish player who was pickpocketed during a layover in England. He arrived with limited funds but was quickly connected with a local church that set him up with a host family for the remainder of his stay. "We came to the rescue, and it was an amazing feeling," Rathke recalls.

Eric McCabe, a 2010 PDGA World Champion who has overseen the GBO's growth since its inception in 2003, praises Emporia's partnership with the tournament. The Convention and Visitors Bureau now features a dedicated disc golf section on their website, and town authorities have erected billboards along Interstate 35 to welcome visitors.

As the event continues to grow, Jeremy Rusco, founder of Dynamic Discs, reveals plans to add more hotels and potentially an additional course in 2019, allowing for another 184 players to join the fray. "It can keep growing," he confidently states.

Emporia has proven itself capable of handling the increased traffic without sacrificing its charm. "This is our town, and we're proud to host this event," Rathke says. With its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, Emporia remains a favorite among disc golf enthusiasts worldwide, and the door is always open for more players to join in on the fun.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/small-town-big-impact