Rosa Parks Circle to fill with broomball teams this Sunday

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and the Grand Rapids Sport and Social Club (GRSSC) will be hosting a broomball tournament in Rosa Parks Circle this Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The tournament will consist of 16 teams playing in a double elimination series. All teams will play at least two 17 minute matches.

Broomball is an ice sport similar to hockey. Players use brooms in lieu of hockey sticks and a medium sized ball as the puck. Players hit the ball into a goal at either end of the rink to score.

This event, designed for adults 18 and older, is being held by DGRI to spark the interest of people who work Downtown and encourage them to enjoy the time they spend there.

"One of the priorities that has been recommended through DGRI’s Alliance for Vibrancy, a steering committee to guide day-to-day decision-making, is to engage with the Downtown workforce," says Mandy Cech, Communication Specialist, at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. "We have a large population that come Downtown daily, and we want to help them love where they work. This serves as a tool to benefit the people working Downtown and to help the businesses Downtown to have an excited workforce."

While broomball is not currently an annual event, it is not going to be the last event of its kind.

"Broomball is really the start of the events that we are organizing for the Downtown workforce. We are also working on ways to enjoy Downtown in the summer and help the workforce experience different areas of Downtown outside of their normal routine. This could involve food, music and opportunities for education," Cech says.

GRSSC looks at the event as a way to encourage people to become more social and explore the Downtown area.

"I think a lot of it, especially what Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. wanted to do, is just get more attention to downtown, get people out there a little more involved and kind of see what's around downtown. On our end we just want to get people to meet new people...it's great way for young professionals to connect," says Scott Haskin, GRSSC Opsrations Director.

GRSSC has held similar tournaments in the past at various locations. They are pleased to be hosting this one in Rosa Park Circle because of its proximity to local businesses.

"To be downtown is great because now we're able to partner with local businesses down there," Adam Covey, GRSSC's sports league manager, says. "So you're downtown, you get to come out, watch broomball, you're supporting your teams, or maybe you just want to check it out because you've never experienced it."

After the tournament ends, players and spectators can expect to be warm up at one of the local bars for after game socialization.