A slew of events, many of them sports tournaments and competitions, are expected to bring about 20,000 people to the Tri-Cities in April, filling hotel rooms, booking restaurant reservations and benefiting other local businesses. 

Visit Tri-Cities said the events are expected to generate more than $4.35 million in economic impact for the region and demonstrate how the Tri-Cities is becoming a destination for sports tourism and group travel. 

“April really showcases the diversity and strength of our event pipeline,” said Hector Cruz, Vice President of Development and Community for Visit Tri-Cities' vice president of development and community, in a statement. He added that the month shows “the kind of momentum that fuels long-term economic growth for our community.” 

The two largest events, the National Softball Association Icebreaker Girls Fastpitch Tournament and the West Coast Premier Tournaments Tri-Cities Season Kick-Off, will take place the weekends of April 11-12 and 18-19, respectively.  

Lacrosse, soccer, baseball and running events are also on the calendar as are some regional conferences.