300 Teams to Hit the Local Hardwood
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - The 2013 USA Invitational, a premier girls' basketball tournament administered by Blue Chip Basketball, will tip-off this July for four days of driving downcourt to launch layups.
The USA Invitational is an important exhibition opportunity for the high-school teams that participate, as 500 college coaches, representing 200 institutions of higher learning, use the tournament for scouting purposes.
"This is an NCAA-certified event, which allows Division I, II and III College coaches to come scout these players for potential college scholarships," says Bill McDonough, Blue Chip owner.
The 2013 edition of the USA Invitational marks its 13th year.
An estimated 5,000 visitors associated with the tournament are expected in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, including players, coaches, parents, fans, and colligate coaches. In past years, teams have traveled from Maine to Florida - as far away as Canada, Ireland, Spain and Singapore - to test their mettle.
The presence of facilities that could handle the physical requirements of a tournament of this scope were a deciding factor in Blue Chip's decision to hold the event here for the first time. "In the Philadelphia Expo Center, we will have 18 basketball courts," says McDonough. "Blue Chip is bringing in 36 baskets and 18 floors to construct this amazing indoor basketball wonderland," he says.
Teams will also compete in the comfort of the Competitive Edge Sports basketball facility in King of Prussia, with its five wood floors in an air-conditioned building.
Beyond its state-of-the-art sports arenas, the area's attractions were also a deciding factor in moving the USA Invitational. "We chose the King of Prussia/Valley Forge area for the many wonderful hotels and tremendous shopping at the Mall," McDonough comments. "The [Philadelphia Premium Outlets are also] right down the road from the Expo Center."
An economic boost to area hotels, restaurants and attractions of approximately $4 million is expected from the influx of athletes.
"All of us at Blue Chip Basketball are very excited to be bringing the USA Invitational tournament to the King of Prussia/Valley Forge Area," McDonough concludes.
The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd. is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that aggressively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 300-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Bureau's website, at www.valleyforge.org, serves visitors, meeting planners, tour operators and residents.
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