Organizers of the Glass Blown Open are beaming with the tournament essentially all but over.
The event smashed the prior tourney participation record with over 1,600 players, easily besting last year’s prior record of around 1,200. Dynamic Discs owner and tourney organizer Jeremy Rusco was grateful for the atmosphere, good weather and community support. He’s also looking ahead to possibly growing the event as soon as next year, if things work out.
Players from nearly all 50 states and eight countries took part. Among the international contingent was Olari Bajo of Estonia, who enjoyed his time here — although he tells KVOE News it took some time for him to get used to the interest in the sport locally.
Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Susan Rathke is expecting an economic impact of around $2 million just from the GBO. With lodging options tight at hotels, Rathke says Airbnb locations became popular around town. She says around 170 players reported staying at local Airbnb facilities during the GBO, and an information seminar on the benefits of hosting through Airbnb got a lot of local residents interested in offering their homes to visitors.
The GBO Junior’s Challenge takes place Sunday at Emporia Middle School to wrap up the event.
Stay tuned to KVOE Sports on air and online for results and interviews with tourney winners.
Photos by Chuck Samples and Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}GBO 2018{/gallery}
