Governor’s Challenge Brings Projected $4 Million Economic Impact

MARYLAND. — The 43rd annual Governor’s Challenge kicks off Friday, Dec. 26. Families from 12 states and Canada are traveling to Delmarva for the nation’s largest high school basketball tournament. The event brings a big economic boost for Salisbury and the surrounding areas.

“This year is probably going to be a record year for the Governor’s Challenge. We expect over $4 million of economic impact to the local economy,” Bill Chambers of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce said.

Tournament organizers are expecting over 15,000 spectators to attend the games, which will be held at the Wicomico Civic Center, Salisbury Christian School, Wicomico High School, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Chambers says they’re encouraging visitors to shop, eat, and stay local. “This is a great way this time of year to support our hospitality industries, our retailers, even our grocery stores, because a lot of these families will be staying in hotels, buying up Gatorade and snacks in the grocery stores — so it’s a big deal for our region.”

An economic boost isn’t the only benefit the tournament brings to the area. According to Tournament Director James Simmons, the community impact is clear before the first tip off.

“We do a food drive around Thanksgiving for 500 families in need and tickets to the event. Free youth basketball clinics throughout the fall and winter to just try to bring basketball to the community. It’s a tough time of year; we’ve had hotels tell us how critical this event is to them being able to stay open and keep their doors going. So very important from an economic impact standpoint, and very important from a community impact standpoint.”