The Governors Challenge continues to bring money to the local economy

SALISBURY, Md. – The 42nd annual Governors Challenge basketball tournament is affecting the local economy. The largest holiday basketball tournament in the United States has brought new visitors to Salisbury, MD.

Bill Chambers, the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce President, is thankful to welcome the tournament back to the area. “The Governor’s Challenge is a marquee event, this type of event that cities and towns across the United States would love to have, and it’s a legacy event.”

140 teams from the East Coast traveled to the Wicomico Civic Center. Chambers believes the tournament went above and beyond.

“This year is well north of 3 million dollars. That’s just in Salisbury and Wicomico County. The hotels have over 1,000 room nights associated with this event. This is helping our retailers, our grocery stores, and our small businesses.”

One of the local small businesses is Burg3r Bros. Their owner, Muhammedi Sahin, ensures they will bring their best service for the holiday. “It’s a challenge, but it’s also a chance to grow and adapt. We’re confident we can rise to the occasion and make Burg3r Bros a go-to spot for everyone in town.”

Although the tournament is about basketball, Chambers says this is an opportunity for Salisbury to show what makes the city special.

“People get to see our community. They get to see our great universities, our businesses, and our quality of life. Hopefully, that translates to folks wanting to come to school here, live here, and open up business.”

Tickets can be purchased in person at the event. For more information, click here.