For the 28th time, Richmond is playing host to the All-A High School Basketball Tournament. Boys and girls teams and their fans have gathered in Madison County for the tourney. Lori Murphy-Tatum is Richmond’s tourism director. She said the All-A is, one of the best town-gown events that the city does all year long.
“EKU and Richmond become one big happy family and we all work together to put this tournament on. And it’s a wonderful thing for our community. Especially during the winter months when we don’t have a lot of visitors, coming to Richmond,” said Murphy-Tatum.
Murphy-Tatum said the five days of high school basketball carry a million-dollar economic impact for the Madison County area. While restaurants and motels are big winners, the tourism director noted the university and community at large also gain exposure. Murphy-Tatum added it helps highlight Eastern Kentucky University to high school seniors.
The hope is that some basketball fans will return to spend more time and contribute more money to the local economy.
“We definitely hope Richmond sticks in their mind as something that they might want to come back and see when summer’s here and visitation is more possible with folks’ schedule. But, we definitely hope that we make an impression on them,” said Murphy-Tatum.
Murphy-Tatum said Richmond also plays host to the All-A golf and volleyball competitions in September.
