PEORIA, Ill. — The Illinois High School Sports Association, IHSA, has announced that the state tournament to be played this weekend in Peoria is cancelled after saying it would go on earlier this week.
In doing so, millions of dollars are expected to be lost according to Enjoy Peoria President/CEO J.D. Dalfonso.
“We were anticipating roughly 50,000 attendees between players, visitors, and spectators alike over the couple weekends,” said Dalfonso. “Over both weekends, we conservatively estimate that it comes out to about $4.4 million in economic impact through spending in various ways in the Peoria area.”
On Thursday morning, the IHSA announced that the state tournaments would be played, but with very limited fan attendance. Just hours later the IHSA announced the cancellation of the tournaments.
Dalfonso applauds IHSA’s responsiveness on the issue.
“Ultimately, I do applaud Craig Anderson and the IHSA Board for always keeping the safety of the public in mind,” said Dalfonso. “I know it was a very tough decision through these times and this entire process.”
Dalfonso also iterated that they stand with the IHSA and their decision of cancelling as they move forward.
