The big bounce: NAIA means a 'slam dunk' for local economy

When the 26th National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II Women's Basketball National Championship comes to Sioux City March 8-14, the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center general manager said approximately 80 percent of the hotel's occupancy will come from the female athletes and their families.

"I think it's the families that appreciate us the most," Plambeck said. "Tyson Events Center (the site of the championship games) is literally our next door neighbor."

The office of Chris McGowan is also just a stone's throw away from the Tyson Events Center. As president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, McGowan said Siouxland gets an economic shot in the arm from the annual tournament.

"(It) draws 32 different teams from across the country," he said. "The teams will be spending money in our restaurants, stores, gas stations -- you name it. All types of businesses seem to benefit."

But just how much of a slam dunk is it for the local economy?

According to Erika Newton, executive director of Sioux City's Events & Facilities Department, the area can see an estimated $16 million boost during the seven-day basketball tournament.

"A person spends an average of $120 per day," she said. "That's pretty significant."

However, it isn't just businesses that find value in the NAIA, Newton pointed out. Cultural venues like the Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City Public Museum and Trinity Heights Queen of Peace will also see an increase in attendance.

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center director Marcia Poole said she enjoys the foot traffic.

"We see the moms and the dads, the grandparents, brothers and sisters but we also see the athletes," Poole said of the 900 Larsen Park Road facilities. 

So, what are the "must see's" at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center?

Poole said it's the animatronic statues of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, President Thomas Jefferson and even Seaman the Newfoundland that generate the most interest.

"The girls love taking selfies in front of the animatronics," she said. "After all, you can get your picture taken with a member of the Corps of Discovery just any old place."

Since her office is at the Tyson Events Center, Newton said she doesn't mind indulging in a bit of people watching come tournament time.

"I'm always amazed at the number of local people who have no connection with any team," she said. "These people just stay all day because they want to show their support while watching championship-level basketball.

"They're proud of their community and this becomes a source of pride for them," Newton said.

McGowan agreed.

"That shows the caliber and the character of our communities," he said. "Call it a Midwestern sense of hospitality, but we want to bring out the red carpet for the NAIA."

McGowan said the NAIA has shown its appreciation by bringing the national volleyball and softball tournaments to town.

"Over the past 20 years, we've been able to develop the relationship of trust," he said. "They know we will always treat them well in Sioux City."

Indeed, Newton said Sioux City has acquired an almost epic quality in the minds of the student athletes.

"The players spend their athletic careers dreaming of making it to Sioux City and the national championships," she said. "We are their World Series and we are their Super Bowl."

Which means Plambeck and her staff at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center had better make sure they have plenty of yogurt, bagels and bananas on hand.

"Some of the students have had to travel a great distance," she said. "It's our job to show how hospitable Sioux City can be."