‘Huge economic impact’: Peach Jam brings in crowds
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Peach Jam is underway, and it’s expected to bring millions of dollars to the city from guests coming into town.
More than 10-thousand people are expected to be in town throughout the week according to the Augusta Sports Council.
Businesses have been preparing for weeks as people flood the city - between visitors spending money at hotels, restaurants and stores.
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We’re seeing hundreds of coaches and dozens of talent make their way to North Augusta for Peach Jam.
Augusta Sports Council also says it’ll bring in 15.3 million dollars to the local economy - compared to last year with an estimated 10 million dollars.
That’s more money than ever.
It is because of numerous new factors this year including a longer tournament with more divisions and more players.
But the increase in people is something businesses have been waiting for, and the mayor of North Augusta says they are excited to show off the city too.
From people spending money on travel or food what travelers say most about North Augusta is that it feels like their home.
Candace Clark says it’s not often tournament towns feel the way North Augusta does, like home.
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“Everybody is very nice and the locals seem very inviting to what’s going I know this is a big tournament for Nike so they seem to welcome us it’s nice”, said Cadence Clark a resident of Nevada.
Andrea Mitchell says most tournament weekends include a quick fast food stop.
But each time her son plays in the Peach Jam - her family knows they don’t have to travel far for a home-cooked meal.
“We know the restaurants are good. We know the people are great. We know how to get around and we know that the town is exciting for the basketball guys to be here. And it’s just great and were just for all of that community”, said Andrea Mitchell Dallas Resident.
While their sons are balling on the court. Candace Clark says her family is hunting for another local taste of the South.
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“We ate at Kings Kitchen. We tried a little bit of everything. They gave us some samples of some lemonade and also gave us a couple of samples of some cakes so that was good,” said Clark.
And when visitors aren’t on the courts or filling their bellies at local restaurants.
Mayor Williams says they’re opening their wallets for other things to pour back into the city.
“I think it’s a huge economic impact if you think about the thousands of people who are coming to North Augusta not just with our hotels or but you got to believe our restaurants. To see how amazing Riverview Park Activity Center is, not many places have six to eight gyms like we do,” said Mayor Brent Williams.
These families tell News 12 they are excited to continue to try different restaurants and enjoy what the city has to offer over the next few days.
The tournament will be in town all this week and they hope to give everyone a good experience to make sure everyone who comes here has a good experience and wants to come back next year.
The tournament will stay in town until July 21.
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