Governor’s Challenge is a slam dunk for local businesses
SALISBURY, Md. – The infamous Governor’s Challenge is almost here. It’s the biggest basketball tournament in the state and it happens right here on the shore and it just so happens to be a total slam dunk for local businesses.
“It’s ballooned over the years from a little four team event in 1981 to the biggest tournament in the country now over the holidays,” explains James Simmons, the tournament director.
Many know it as the Gov Challenge, a basketball tournament that draws in 120 teams from all over the country even Canada.
“The town truly does fill up with basketball players over the holidays and McDonald’s sold out of burgers last year one night just random things like that that we’ve seen that’s been pretty cool the watch.”
It’s nothing but net for local hotels and restaurants. Places like Subrunners fill up fast as they rush to meet the new demand and extra orders.
“It means a lot actually we do an increase in deliveries we see especially in the hotels. We’re also a sponsor with the Governor’s Challenge so we get gift certificates to the coaches that they use to feed their teams and that brings a lot of extra orders,” explains Bill Neville, owner of Subrunners in Salisbury.
It’s a challenge not just for the players but the businesses too, one they welcome with open arms since this tournament brings in about $2 million.
Neville adds, “It’s just a great thing, it’s a great event for Salisbury and I hope they keep doing it it’s good for everybody it really is.”
So while the teams playing in the tournament aren’t yet sure if they will win or lose, one thing is for certain – the local community is definitely going away with a win.
The tournament isn’t just a big boost for the local economy, it’s also an opportunity for local teams and players to get exposure they might not otherwise see during the season.
Since this has evolved into such a big tournament, every year more and more college scouts make their way to Delmarva to check out the competition giving locals a chance to show off their talents.
