The Nike Peach Jam is returning to North Augusta after cancellation last year due to the pandemic. However, there will be no roaring crowds packing out the stands this year.
The typically standing-room-only youth basketball tournament will take place at its usual venue, Riverview Park Activities Center, 100 Riverview Park Dr. Qualifying will be July 13-20 with the Peach Jam tournament July 20-25.
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Nike Nationals, the girls’ equivalent to the Peach Jam, will take place in North Augusta July 21-25, the first time since 2016, when it was relocated to Chicago.
The event brings in money to North Augusta and the CSRA every year thanks to spectator dues and travel arrangements and dining for college coaches and competing teams. With the Peach Jam qualifier, Peach Jam tournament and Nike Nationals all taking place here over the course of two weeks, Meyer said it will be the best economic impact yet.
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“Most of your spectators are local. There will be over 300 teams staying in hotel rooms for two weeks. The first weekend will have approximately 300 men’s college coaches in town, and the second weekend will have men’s and women’s college coaches in town, and that number will be 500 or more,” Meyer said. “The estimated economic impact is $10 million or more. It should be a great two weeks for economic impact.”
In a statement, the EYBL said it plans to return to the traditional format with fan attendance in 2022.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com.
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