Springfield lands national speech, debate tournament

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and Drury University have secured a national speech and debate tournament expected to bring 3,000 attendees to the Queen City next year.

Christian homeschool organization Stoa’s 2016 National Invitation Tournament of Champions is scheduled to be held May 20-28 on Drury’s campus, according to a news release.

The CVB estimates each of the 3,000 high school and junior high students, parents, coaches and spectators would spend an average $125. Using that estimate, the economic impact to the city would be $3.4 million.

“We’re excited to help bring this group of high-achieving students and their families to Springfield, and we expect nearly every room on our campus to be bustling with activity,” Drury Chief Financial Officer Rob Fridge said in the release.[[In-content Ad]]