Thousands of athletes and visitors are expected in Owensboro this weekend as the second and final weekend of the inaugural Bluegrass Clash Sports Summit coincides with the fifth annual Downtown Summer Jam on Saturday.
Organizers estimate about 2,000 athletes will compete in six sporting events throughout Owensboro-Daviess County as part of Week 2 of the Bluegrass Clash Sports Summit, a new initiative created to showcase the community as a destination for sports tourism. The summit features 11 sporting events spread across two weekends.
Events taking place this weekend include the USSSA Adult Slowpitch Softball Tournament at Jack C. Fisher Park, the Rudy Rumble Trail Run and Bluegrass Mountain Cup at Rudy Mines, The Forge Challenge at the Owensboro Sportscenter, the Dust Bowl Basketball Tournament at Kendall Perkins Park and activities leading up to the ACO World Championships of Cornhole at the Owensboro Convention Center.
Saturday’s festivities also include the fifth annual Downtown Summer Jam, presented by the City of Owensboro, The Eric Group and Visit Owensboro as part of the city’s L!VE on the Banks concert series.
The free concert will be held from 7-10 p.m. at McConnell Plaza and will feature Paradise Kitty, an all-female Guns N’ Roses tribute band based in Los Angeles. Owensboro favorite Krown will also perform, bringing a mix of country, classic rock, grunge and jam-band music.
Downtown activities begin at 5 p.m. and will include food trucks, vendors and family-friendly games such as pickleball, cornhole and mini golf. McConnell Plaza opens at 6 p.m. before the concert begins. Admission is free.
A limited number of VIP tables are available for purchase. Packages include reserved seating for four, private restroom access, VIP bar access, stage pit access, commemorative credentials and a photo opportunity with the band, according to organizers.
