Pocatello welcomes the Simplot Games

POCATELLO, Idaho – The city of Pocatello will swell with fans and excitement during the 30^th annual Simplot Games. The Games have always been a welcomed delight for the Pocatello community. They are enjoyed by fans and are wonderful memories for the athletes. For many athletes, the Simplot Games will be a crucial turning point in their athletic careers.

For Pocatello, the Simplot Games provide many benefits. Along with the excitement of the Games, Pocatello enjoys a boost to its economy. Air traffic into Pocatello increases, and buses are prominent around town. Local restaurants welcome the opportunity to feed thousands. And if you haven’t reserved a hotel room by Christmas for Valentine’s weekend, good luck trying to find one. According to research firm John Church-Idaho Economics, the Games provide a $3.5 million annual lift to the Southeast Idaho economy.

The prestige of the Games also brings national attention to Pocatello, providing remarkable exposure for the city, the University, and the state of Idaho.

Few locals realize that the Simplot Games are a widely respected competition in high school track and field. Every third weekend in February, the Pocatello community migrates to friendly and historic Holt Arena. There, visitors are treated to one of the nation’s greatest high school track competitions. The Games have attracted national sponsors such as adidas and Subway.

Not only does the community look forward to the Games, but track-and-field fans all over the country mark the dates on their calendars. Many come out and are simply spectators. Hundreds of others donate their time preparing for the event. For all of these, the Simplot Games is a community effort, which benefits more than the local track athletes.

Tune in to Altitude Sports & Entertainment on Sunday, March 2^nd at 2pm to catch the premiere of the Simplot Games. Altitude is available on DISH network channel 410 and Direct TV channel 644. Call your local cable company today and ask for Altitude! Please visit our website at www.altitude.tv.

For more information on Simplot Games, please visit our website at www.simplotgames.com or you may contact Carol Lish at (208) 235-5604.

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