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- Salt Lake City will host the 2030 State Games of America, potentially attracting 10,000 athletes.
- It's the first time Utah will host the biennial sports competition.
- The event is expected to boost Salt Lake County's economy and growing sports sector.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's capital city is now set to welcome the rest of the U.S. before it welcomes the world in 2034.
The National Congress of State Games on Monday named Salt Lake City as the host of the 2030 State Games of America. The biennial event is expected to bring about 10,000 amateur athletes from across the country to compete in over 40 sports and activities, according to organizers.
It will mark the first time Utah hosted the event since it began in St. Louis over two decades ago.
"I am thrilled that Utah has been selected to host," said Gov. Spencer Cox. "This opportunity is a reflection of the incredible partnerships and collaboration that make our state such a special place — where business, community and passion for sports come together."
International Olympic Committee officials last year awarded Salt Lake City the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games. In this case, the National Congress of State Games — an organization composed of dozens of state games and other similar bodies that is also a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee's Affiliated Organizations Council — awarded the 2030 rights to the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games.
The event, which was first held in 1999, will take place during the final week of July 2030. It typically brings in athletes of all ages and abilities from about 30 member states for "Olympic-style competitions and events," said Kevin Cummings, president of the National Congress of State Games.
"We are excited to bring the State Games of America to Salt Lake in 2030 for what should be a memorable and inspiring experience for all participants," he said.
Jon Oglesby, executive director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, said the organization is "honored to have the opportunity" to host the event. While the organization normally holds a statewide event in Cedar City every summer — it is tied to Southern Utah University — the State Games of America was moved to Salt Lake City because of its size.
Events will be held at venues across Salt Lake County in partnership with the county's sports tourism wing, Sports Salt Lake. Organizers anticipate it will generate 14,000 hotel stays, which county officials believe will mean an economic boost.
It adds to the county's fast-growing sports sector, which is still celebrating last year's Olympic announcement and the arrival of the National Hockey League. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the county is now "proud" to add the State Games of America to its list.
"Salt Lake County stands out as a destination where athletes of all ages and abilities can thrive," she said. "We look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators from across the nation to experience the unparalleled beauty and energy of our region."
