Contact:  Ricky Rodriguez, TMP, CTTP
Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
1-800-789-1327 or 615-453-9655
www.visitwilsoncounty.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2009

Baseball Tournament Provided Economic Boost for Wilson County, Fun for Everyone

The Lebanon Sports Council recently hosted the Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA) 2009 World Series Tournament for its 14 and Under league in Wilson County, TN. Revenue spent by visitors on hotels, meals, shopping and entertainment delivered an estimated overall economic impact of well over half a million dollars.

The games brought over 1,000 visitors into Wilson County for a week. Ten hotels in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet served as hosts for coaches, players and their families. In addition, restaurants and retail stores in the area benefited economically from the tournament.

Ricky Rodriguez, Director of the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau said, "Tourism means more than dollars and cents to local residents. Visitors pay taxes that contribute to the local economy and provide 'tax relief' for local residents. In other words, visitors to our community pay taxes so that local residents don't have to."

The tournament began on July 17, ending with championship bracket play from July 22-24. Games were played at Veteran's Field, Babe Ruth Field, Cumberland University, Friendship Christian School and Wilson Central High School.

A Home Run Derby and other activities at Veterans Field, followed by a fireworks display provided by the City of Lebanon, made for a night of entertainment on July 20. Activities including a barbecue and luau/swim night, which gave players and their families from various locations a chance to interact with one another, were held at the Jimmy Floyd Family Center.

CABA has teams from 35 states and international teams from 22 countries that participate in league tournaments as well as the World Series and National Championship events. For additional information on the CABA or the baseball tournament, visit www.cabaworldserieslebanon.com or www.cababaseball.com.