Owensboro is gaining attention — and it’s not by accident. Through strategic investment, competitive event hosting, and a focus on experiences that matter to visitors, Owensboro continues to strengthen its position as a rising tourism destination in Kentucky and the region. Sports tourism has played a key role. From youth and amateur tournaments to regional and state-level championships, Owensboro has proven it can host events that deliver for athletes, families,…
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Owensboro Scoop: Dinosaur World Live!
Dinosaurs are coming back to town! Winner of the prestigious 2024 Oliver Award for best Family Entertainment, the RiverPark Center invites you to Dinosaur World Live! On February 10, starting at 6:00 PM, you can experience this interactive children’s theater show that brings dinosaurs on stage to life! Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, Dinosaur World Live presents a host of impressive prehistoric creatures, including…
Mark Calitri speaks tourism: Kentucky All A Boys baseball and girls’ softball a success for Owensboro!
Mark Calitri speaks tourism: Kentucky All A Boys baseball and girls’ softball a success for Owensboro!Late April brought intense competition to Owensboro for the Kentucky All A boy’s baseball championships and Kentucky All A girls’ softball championships. The girl’s championships brought 16 of the best teams from across Kentucky. Louisville Holy Cross took home the trophy for first place. The boy’s championships brought 8 teams from across the state and…
Bluegrass Fieldhouse: A Major Step Forward for Owensboro, Kentucky
By Mark Calitri, President & CEO, Visit Owensboro Facilities matter, but progress comes from how a community uses them. The Bluegrass Fieldhouse strengthens Owensboro’s ability to attract visitors, host events, and create meaningful first experiences that shape how people see our city. Tourism is often the front door to economic development. Before someone considers relocating, investing, or opening a business, they visit. That first experience matters. It forms perception…
The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: January 5 – January 11
8th Annual Owensboro Lip Sync Battle Looking to support an awesome cause in a fun way? The Owensboro Lip Sync Battle is your big community fundraiser event! Support the local nonprofit Puzzle Pieces at Owensboro Convention Center on January 10. Enjoy businesses perform choreographed lip-sync routines to popular songs with costumes, props, dance moves, and lots of crowd energy! Full table seats are sold out, but don’t worry, there is…
Owensboro Scoop: Jump-Van Halen Experience
Looking for an immersive rock tribute experience? On February 7 at the RiverPark Center, starting at 8:00 PM, you can experience the recreation of the music and energy of Van Halen’s classic era with JUMP! Based out of Toledo, Ohio, JUMP is known for delivering unforgettable, high-energy performances featuring Van Halen’s most iconic songs and signature stage presence. Having performed across the United States and internationally, the band expertly recreates…
Why Owensboro Is One of America’s Best Sports Cities
Owensboro isn’t just another small city — it’s earning respect on the national sports stage. From high-level basketball events that bring elite prep teams and future college/NBA prospects, to large youth tournaments drawing dozens of teams from multiple states, Owensboro is proving it can host big-time competition with hometown passion. The Owensboro Sportscenter, a 5,000-seat arena with a long athletics history, regularly welcomes regional and national basketball showcases that fans…
Owensboro has a lot to be proud of right now.
Owensboro has a lot to be proud of right now. Over the next two weeks, thousands of people will come through our community for the Kentucky 2A State Basketball Championships, the Kentucky All-A Classic, and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, including key leaders from across the state. You’ll see buses lining up, teams walking around town, families filling restaurants, and visitors seeing Owensboro for the first time. And it all starts…
Owensboro Has a Lot to Be Proud Of | Tourism as the Front Door to Growth
Originally published as a Letter to the Editor in the Messenger-Inquirer.Read the original article:https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/owensboro-has-a-lot-to-be-proud-of/article_a42c59f2-b857-55da-a9c3-054207169c2e.html Owensboro has a lot to be proud of right now. Over the next two weeks, thousands of people will come through our community for the Kentucky 2A State Basketball Championships, the Kentucky All-A Classic, and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, including key leaders from across the state. You’ll see buses lining up, teams walking around town,…
Youth Sports, Leadership, and Why Owensboro Gets It Right
Youth sports are one of the most overlooked leadership and economic development tools a community has. This week, Owensboro is hosting the All “A” and 2A State Basketball Championships, welcoming student-athletes, coaches, and families from communities across Kentucky. On the surface, it’s competition. Beneath it, something bigger is happening. According to Mark Calitri, President and CEO of Visit Owensboro, tourism is the front door to economic development. Long before someone…