DeKALB – Organizers at Destination DeKalb, the team tasked with ensuring the Illinois High School Association’s State Football Championships runs smoothly, are seeking additional volunteers.
The IHSA Destination DeKalb Host Committee is comprised of representatives from Northern Illinois University, the DeKalb County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, and they’re in need of assistance from area volunteers Nov. 29 and 30.
To sign up, visit www.IHSAdestinationdekalb.com/volunteer. Volunteers positions include ticket scanners, ushers, parking attendants and event staff, according to the website.
There also are options for sponsorships.
In collaboration with the IHSA, the host committee is providing an opportunity for monetary compensation to partner schools and community organizations and groups that are able to secure at least 10 or more volunteers for one and/or both days of championship weekend.
Brad Hoey, chairman of the bureau’s board of directors and special projects coordinator for NIU’s athletic department, said if past years are anything to go off of, DeKalb could welcome 29,000 visitors for the the 2019 IHSA football finals, which the city hosts at NIU’s Huskie Stadium in odd-numbered years.
Hoey said the championships alone can generate about $1 million in tourism revenue for the county as visitors book hotel stays, eat at restaurants and make purchases from local establishments.
“The only thing that rivals that is Corn Fest or Pumpkin Fest,” Hoey said. “IHSA is unique in that everybody is coming from outside of the county.”