Owensboro Makes Kentucky Sports History with First Indoor Handball Tournament

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Owensboro Makes Kentucky Sports History with First Indoor Handball Tournament

We're bringing a new sport to Owensboro, and this one is making history in Kentucky.

November 13–15, the Owensboro Sportscenter will host the Battle of the Bluegrass Handball Tournament, the first indoor team handball tournament ever held in Kentucky.

If you've never watched team handball, imagine combining basketball, soccer, and football into one fast-paced, physical Olympic sport. It's incredibly popular in Europe and gaining attention in the United States as we approach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Kentucky Stags Handball Club is partnering with Visit Owensboro and the Owensboro Sportscenter to bring teams from across the region to compete. The field includes New York Athletic Club, Cincinnati Gladiators, Ohio State, Auburn, and the University of Kentucky, which won the 2024 College National Championship.

Another Opportunity for Owensboro Sports Tourism

One of our priorities at Visit Owensboro is finding new sporting events that bring visitors to our community. We're always looking for opportunities to introduce Owensboro to new athletes, organizations, and event planners.

"We're going after new sporting events that bring people to Owensboro. Handball is a great example of what we're looking for. We get to introduce a new sport to Kentucky, bring visiting teams to our community, and hopefully build an event that continues to grow." — Mark Calitri, President & CEO, Visit Owensboro

These tournaments bring visitors who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and experience what Owensboro has to offer. Just as important, they give us an opportunity to build relationships that can bring more events here in the future.

I also like that the Kentucky Stags are working with local schools and the Boys & Girls Club to introduce young athletes to the sport.

Admission is free throughout the November 13–15 tournament, so I encourage everyone to come out to the Owensboro Sportscenter and see what handball is all about.

You might discover a new favorite sport.

Follow Kentucky Stags Handball for tournament updates, and read more about the event in the Owensboro Times.

Learn more about our community at Visit Owensboro.

As reported by the Owensboro Times, Owensboro will make Kentucky sports history November 13–15 when the Owensboro Sportscenter hosts the state's first indoor team handball tournament.  Owensboro to host Battle of the Bluegrass Handball Tournament - The Owensboro Times

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