Spokane Scores Knockout With 4-Year USA Boxing Deal - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Spokane will be home to the USA Boxing Championships for the next four years, the Spokane Sports Commission announced Tuesday.

The 2013 championships will be March 31-April 6. Preliminary rounds will be at the Hub Sports Center in Spokane Valley, with the final rounds at Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights.

The announcement comes after Spokane hosted the women's Olympic Trials last year.

"Northern Quest Resort & Casino is an excellent venue and their staff did a tremendous job with the Women's Olympic Trials last year," said USA Boxing Executive Director Anthony Bartowski in a statement. "This four-year agreement is the first of its kind for USA Boxing and we look forward to working with Northern Quest and the Spokane Sports Commission to put on first class events beginning with the 2013 USA Boxing National Championships."

Officials at Northern Quest were equally thrilled about the announcement.

"Spokane continues to make a name for itself as the successful host of a variety of world-class sporting events," said Phil Haugen, General Manager of the resort.

The SSC estimates the championships could bring in at least $500,000 to the local economy. They expect to see more than 300 athletes, plus coaches, family members and fans. Hosting the events could also bring more national media exposure to Spokane, the Commission said.