Texas Border Business
The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Summer Games of Texas is the largest youth sporting event in the state, and it’s coming to McAllen July 28th-31st. More than 20,000 visitors will ascend on the area, including 8,000 athletes vying for the title of State Champion in their respective events.
This marks the first time the TAAF Games of Texas will be held in the Rio Grande Valley. The host city is awarded a two-year bid, and McAllen is slated to host the championship event in 2016 and 2017.
The Games of Texas is estimated to have an economic impact of $7-10 million on the local economy, and we want to make sure our local business owners are prepared for the historic event.
Here are 4 things businesses can do to welcome our visitors:
- Staff Accordingly
Make sure you staff accordingly if you are a business that caters to visitors. For example, restaurants, retail stores and hotels, to name a few. The heaviest trafficked areas during the event will be the McAllen Convention Center District, McAllen Sports Park, McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium and Edinburg Municipal Pool.
Most of participants will arrive on Thursday, July 28th with the busiest days of events happening on Friday and Saturday.
- Inform Your Staff
Your employees will come in contact with visitors the most, so make sure they know about the Games of Texas and are ready to showcase the first-class customer service and hospitality we are known for. You might also ask them give themselves extra time for their commute to work due to increased traffic.
- Display Signage
Proudly display “Welcome Athletes” poster and decal at the entrance of your business. If you don’t have posters or decals, please stop by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce during business hours to pick them up. In addition, if you have marquees or digital signage, please change them to read “Welcome TAAF Athletes” during the dates of the event.
- Be A Fan
If you aren’t a business that will directly come in contact with event participants, be a spectator. The Games of Texas features the best youth amateur athletes in the state competing at the highest level. Cheer on the athletes and soak in the atmosphere at this championship-level event. Tickets can be purchased on site and range from $5-10. Some events are even free, so check the website for details.
The Games of Texas is our opportunity to come together as a community in welcoming visitors who may not have ever been this far south. Be a part of the historic event by being gracious host and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
For more information, contact City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 681-3333 or visit taaf.com/summergames2016
