Catch the Iowa State Pool Players Association’s 8- and 9-Ball Championships in Des Moines this Wednesday, April 2 through Sunday, April 6 at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. The Championships are the largest independent state level amateur pool tournament in the country, and will boast over 4,000 participant entries and 160 pool tables. 

The Championships, hosted in Des Moines for the first time in 2013, are expected to bring more than $746,000 in direct economic impact to the Greater Des Moines economy.

“We’re proud to host the Iowa State Pool Players again in 2014,” says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. “Hosting the Championships further showcases the versatility of our destination in accommodating unique sporting events.”

The tournament includes singles, doubles and five-person team events, with multiple divisions of play for men, women and juniors. More than $120,000 in prize money will be awarded.

“The centralized location [of Des Moines] has enabled more pool players to attend from across the state,” says Jamie Courtney, Iowa State Pool Players Association’s Tournament Co-Director.

“Our move to Des Moines has been very successful,” echoes Julie Guzman, Tournament Co-Director. “The added space at the Iowa Events Center has positioned the event to grow, as proven by increased attendance numbers in 2013 and projected numbers for 2014.”

Attending the Championships is free for spectators. For more information on the 8- and 9-Ball Championships, visit http://www.ispa-billiards.org/.