Preview
Spotlight on 2015 Midwest Regional Championship
On November 21 and 22, 2015, the first Midwest Regional Championship since the split of the Midwest into two regions will take place in Macomb, IL at Veteran’s Park.
Veteran’s Park is an 80 acre sports complex featuring ten acres of multi-use fields, along with four ball diamonds. The field space is in an open area next to a permanent restrooms, a concessions stand and a small playground. Its openness and flexibility means it's perfect for quidditch.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the 2015 Midwest Regional Tournament and to bring such a unique event to our community. We are dedicated to providing a quality experience for the US Quidditch representatives, players, officials, families, and spectators,” said Rachel Lenz, Superintendent of Facilities & Special Events at Macomb Park District.
This will be Macomb’s first time hosting a regional quidditch championship. Lenz first heard about the sport online. She became a certified tournament director through USQ to learn more about the league. In addition, Lenz was able to attend a quidditch tournament this past season to see the sport firsthand played under USQ rules.
“The opportunity to bring something new and different to Macomb is what first attracted me to the bid. Beyond the fact that I am a kid at heart and love Harry Potter, quidditch is a high energy game that opens the doors of athletics to a broader range of individuals. This sport has a greater capacity to get the younger generations outside and moving than some of that traditional sports that they see on a daily basis,” said Lenz.
“This year Macomb will be the host for the first Midwest regional championship since our split with the Great Lakes region. Macomb is a fantastic location for our regional championship, and I know everyone will enjoy themselves,” Colin Richards, the USQ Midwest Regional Coordinator, said. For more information about the split and creation of the Great Lakes region, please click here.
The event is held in partnership with the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB is working with USQ to expand the vendors village for this event, including a variety of healthy food options. You can take a virtual tour of Veteran’s Park in the video below.
"We were looking to bring something new and unique to our area that we have capacity to host and the bid requirements and values that quidditch proposes motivated us to aggressively seek this opportunity. Quidditch is a growing sport on the forefront of a groundbreaking approach to sport mentality. Equality, empowerment, and safe inclusive activity will pave the way for improvements in other established sports. We look forward to the opportunity to be a part of this," Nikki Gray, Executive Director of the CVB, said.
“US Quidditch is thrilled to bring quidditch to Macomb, IL. We are very impressed with the facilities Macomb Park District has at Veteran's Park. It was clear from our first meeting with Rachel Lenz and Nikki Gray that there is a spirit of cooperation in the city. We strive to develop relationships like this with all our city partners, and it's great to have found that already in Macomb. We can't wait to showcase quidditch to the Macomb community and create an exciting event for all of our players and local residents,” Sarah Woolsey, USQ Events Director, said.
Team registration is now available. If you wish to learn more information about US Quidditch, please sign up for our email list. For any questions about the event, contact events@usquidditch.org.
