Tennessee Tech’s Hooper Eblen Center welcomes over 7,500 visitors throughout the weekend
Cookeville – The 2023 BlueCross Basketball Division II Championship was held at Tennessee Tech’s Hooper Eblen Center, clocking in over 7,500 visitors from across the state. Sixteen teams in total participated in the event from Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Jackson and more.
“Over 1,800 athletes, along with their families and friends were able to witness Tennessee Tech and Cookeville, some of them for the first time,” said Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber President Amy New. “Events such as this allow us to showcase not only our university and its assets, but also our special part of the state we get to call “home.”
Goodpasture took home the Class A Boys’ Championship, Webb School of Bell Buckle won the Class A Girls’ Championship, Brentwood Academy won the Class AA Boys’ Championship and Knoxville Catholic took home the title of Class AA Girls Champion.
“Tennessee Tech is proud to welcome these student athletes and their families to our community, said Tennessee tech President Phil Oldham. “Our role as the host site for the TSSAA high school basketball championship allows these thousands of visitors to experience the vibrancy of Tech’s campus and the hospitality of Cookeville, all while stimulating the local economy. As the home of the 2023 OVC women’s basketball championship winners, we also appreciate the opportunity to provide a glimpse of what life as a Golden Eagle can offer to these students both on and off the court.”
Restaurants, attractions and hotels throughout Cookeville saw the influx of visitors with longer wait times and full-capacity room reservations.
“Sports tourism is a strong economic driver for Putnam County. Events like TSSAA Basketball Championships help to create a positive economic impact to residents, hospitality partners and surrounding restaurants and businesses,” said Director of Tourism for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitor’s Bureau Shan Stout. “We appreciate the tournament directors that see the value in choosing Cookeville as their host location.”
Photo courtesy of Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
