Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic Returns to DC with Record 950 Teams, Feb. 18-20, 2017

(Washington, DC) – The nation’s capital welcomes more than 12,000 young female athletes to the Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Feb. 18-20, 2017. The 11^th annual team tournament is pure girl power: more than 950 girls’ volleyball club teams will play before 80,000 spectators on 122 regulation courts. The event and its sports marketplace is expected to generate an economic impact of $21.2 million for Washington, DC.

“Hosting 80,000 players, coaches, scouts, spectators and sponsors over three-days, the Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic achieves citywide convention status in a traditionally slower season. The tournament is on track to book upwards of 16,000 hotel rooms, up from 14,240 in 2016 and 12,907 in 2015,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official tourism and marketing office for nation’s capital.

"We are proud to continue to host and support the annual Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic with our partner Destination DC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. For more than a decade, this event has not only received national accolades as one of the top tournaments in the nation – but also leaves measurable impact on DC by activating our hotels, restaurants and attractions,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. “Growing from one exhibit hall to all five inside the Convention Center, this tournament truly serves as an economic boost for Washington, DC.”

In 2017, a network of 122 courts will host 3,687 matches managed by 220 referees. The tournament requires 755,000-square feet - 55,000 more than the 2016 event.

“Who could have imagined 11 years ago that the Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic would need every square inch of space that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center has to offer? Thanks to strong partnerships, our event has grown from 18 volleyball courts to this year’s total of 122 courts,” said Barry Goldberg, Tournament Director. “Our tournament provides great experiences and opportunities for players, coaches, scouts, and fans, who pack DC over Presidents’ Day weekend each year.”

On Friday, Feb. 17, Destination DC will host its members for a friendly volleyball tournament to raise funds for its affiliated nonprofit, the American Experience Foundation. “Our second annual volleyball night allows us to showcase the Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic’s extraordinary activation at the Convention Center,” said Ferguson, “and invite today’s hospitality leaders to raise funds for tomorrow’s professionals.”

The 11^th annual tournament unofficially kick-starts DC’s 2017 calendar of family-friendly sporting events including DC Rollergirls (Feb. 25); DC United season kick-off (March 4); Rock and Roll Marathon (March 11); 2017 Big Ten NCAA Tournament (March 8-12); Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run (April 2); Washington Nationals opening day (April 3); the debut of DC’s arena football team, the Washington Valor (April 7) and the second annual DC Bike Ride (May 14) in addition to the late season NBA and NHL that drive city revenue.

“Sports fans may come to DC for a tournament or race and Destination DC encourages them to add additional days to explore our city before, during and after their events, resulting in more business at District hotels, restaurants and attractions and increased tax revenue for the District of Columbia” said Ferguson.

The Mizuno Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic begins at 9 a.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center or online. Three-day passes are $40; $30 if purchased online in advance; single day wristbands are $15.

About Destination DC 
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 950 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.

About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, and the non-military functions of the DC Armory. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.

Contact:                                                                                           
Kate Gibbs, Destination DC                                                       
202-789-7072                                                             
[email protected]

Ashley Forrester, Events DC
202-249-3178
[email protected]

Nancy Yasharoff, Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic
202-531-0162
[email protected]

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