Annual wrestling tournament brings thousands to Rockford - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

An annual March event in downtown Rockford is already drawing large crowds. Young wrestlers are preparing for a tournament at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Weigh-ins for the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation Tournament have already begun, but the matches don't begin until early tomorrow morning..

That's when you can expect to encounter some difficulty navigating downtown roads.

Organizers say almost 900 wrestlers, ages 10 to 14, will be competing in the tournament. They will bring with them parents, siblings and friends to cheer them on. In total 3,000 to 4,000  people will come from out of town to visit RockfOd this weekend. This means full rooms at hotels, and business for local restaurants.

"All total, the people who are coming this weekend will probably spend in excess of $350,000 while they're here at local businesses, restaurants, retail shops, hotels. So they're going to leave their money take their memories," says John Groh, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President.

And as you make your weekend plans, keep in mind that driving and finding a parking place downtown Rockford will be difficult.