Casper Youth Basketball Tournament Celebrates 25th Anniversary

2015 marks the 25th year that the Casper Recreation Division has hosted the Annual Casper Youth Basketball Tournament. Over the course of 25 years, 3,552 teams have competed in 5,911 games typically held on the third weekend in March on basketball courts all over Casper. Over 3,000 of the 4th-8th grade boy’s and girl’s teams have come from outside of Natrona County. The economic impact has been significant bringing players and their families to town for this regional competition.

The first year the tournament was held, a total of 46 teams participated. This year, 133 teams have signed up to hit the hardwood. The 2015 field will showcase 112 teams from locations outside of Casper and Wyoming and additional 21 teams from Casper. Teams from Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana will join the mix of teams from various Wyoming communities big and small.

Facilities that will be used over the two day tournament are: the Casper Recreation Center, Natrona County High School, Kelly Walsh High School, CY Middle School, Dean Morgan Junior High School, Centennial Junior High School, Frontier Middle School, and Casper College.

Over the two day basketball extravaganza, over 225 games will be played using thirteen different courts at the above gym locations. Games are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at most locations on Sunday. The public is encouraged to come out and support their favorite teams. An all-tournament pass good for the entire weekend at all sites costs $5 with children under 12 being admitted free. All proceeds generated from this tournament benefit the Community Recreation Foundation to provide scholarships and free recreational programs for youth and seniors in Casper.

Some of the tournament highlights for participants include a Friday evening free throw contest and a free pool party on Saturday evening at the Casper Family Aquatics Center. This two-day event directly impacts the Casper economy through nearly 1.5 million dollars contributed through hotel rooms, meals, shopping, transportation and other areas. For more information, contact the Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383. Tournament schedules are available at www.crlasports.com.