A Big Quidditch Tournament is Coming to Cedar Rapids

Anybody who has ever read the Harry Potter books or seen the movies should be familiar with the word "Quidditch." For all of you muggles out there who are like, "what in the heck is that?!" Quidditch is a fictional sport made famous by author J.K. Rowling back when the first book came out in 1997. The sport involves seven players, four balls, and flying broomsticks. It is hugely popular in the world of Harry Potter, so it's no surprise that fans have found a way to bring the game to life.

According to KCRG, the US Quidditch Midwest Regional Tournament will take place in Cedar Rapids later this year. Quidditch was reportedly adapted into a full-contact sport back in 2005 by a group of college students in Vermont, and it has since grown into something bigger than any of us could've ever imagined. The official US Quidditch website states:

"Inspired by the Harry Potter novels and founded in 2010, we serve over 4,000 athletes on almost 200 teams nationwide and provide a range of services, from hosting nine major tournaments and supervising regular season competition, to supporting and certifying referees, snitches, and tournament directors, offering grants, and working to expand the sport into younger age groups through outreach programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels."

The big tournament will be held at the Tuma Soccer Complex in Marion on November 3rd and 4th. Go Cedar Rapids is responsible for bringing the tournament to town for the first time, and it is one of 8 different regional tournaments going on. The winners will move onto the US Quidditch Cup, which is being held in April of 2019 in Round Rock, Texas. Teams from 10 different states will be coming to Cedar Rapids to compete, and that means lots of money for local businesses! KCRG reports that the up-to 315 players and spectators, "are expected to spend over $121,500 at local businesses."

Read more on the US Quidditch Midwest Regional Tournament HERE!

[Via KCRG/US Quidditch]