2016 US Log Rolling Open sets its sights on the Chicago Southland

Orland Park, Ill. – The 2016 U.S. Log Rolling Open is coming to Orland Park’s Lake Sedgewick in Centennial Park on June 11th, 2016. The event will be regionally broadcasted on Comcast Sportsnet.

This national tournament will have the distinction of being the season opening tournament on the pro circuit in 2016, followed by the La Crosse Open and Midwest Championships (Madison, Wis.) in June. “It’s going to be what we hope becomes a top professional tournament,” said Tournament Director Katie Rick. “It’s a new opportunity for the sport to expand into the state of Illinois.”

Rick, who also operates and oversees the Three Rivers Roleo Tournament, was drawn to the Chicago Southland in part because of the marketing potential that the nation’s third largest city presents. “It’ll be a great opportunity, it’s fantastic to be in a big market,” says Rick. United States Log Rolling Association President Troy Birdsong agrees that stretching the sport into the Chicago Southland market is a major step forward for the sport of Log Rolling. “One of our goals in the USLRA is to continue to support the expansion of the sport. It’s very exciting to be in another new market, especially a market the size of Chicago,” said Birdsong.

“The turnout among top pro rollers for the event should be strong due to the ease of accessibility the Chicago Southland has,” said Rick. “It’s close to Madison and Oconomowoc where there are top pros and solid programs.” Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited for the potential of this tournament. “To have a sport of this caliber come to the Chicago Southland shows the versatility and commitment our municipalities have,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Visit Chicago Southland. “This summer of lumber is shaping up to be a monumental success.” During the 2016 Professional Log Rolling Open, STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® will be onsite performing the various disciplines of their pro and collegiate event coming to the Tinley Park Convention Center, July 15 – 16, 2016.

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination management and marketing organization for Chicago’s 60 south and southwest suburbs. The Visit Chicago Southland markets the Chicago Southland region as a destination for leisure, meetings and conventions, group tour and sports events. For more information, go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com

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