MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Two Mitchell sports events are receiving city support after the Mitchell Sports and Events Authority approved grant funding for summer baseball tournaments and this weekend’s NAIA women’s basketball championship rounds. The authority reviews applications for events expected to bring visitors and overnight stays to Mitchell.
The board awarded Palace City Baseball Association $7,500, or $2,500 per tournament, to help host three events this summer at Cadwell Park Sports Complex. The group plans to host the Harve Johnston/Bryan Wilson Memorial Tournament on June 20, a 13U and 14U tournament June 5-7, and a Post 18 Senior Legion Tournament June 26-28.
Organizers told the Mitchell Republic they hope to bring about eight teams to each three-day tournament, which could generate overnight hotel stays and restaurant traffic in Mitchell. Grant funds are expected to help cover umpire wages and other event costs.
The Sports and Events Authority also approved a $10,000 grant for Dakota Wesleyan University to help host the NAIA National Women’s Basketball Championship first and second rounds Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, at the Corn Palace. Tickets are being sold through the Corn Palace box office.