LANSING, Mich.-The Greater Lansing Sports Authority (GLSA) is pleased to announce that a premier national sports event will be held in Greater Lansing starting today; The 2012 USA Hockey Tier II 18 & under National Championships.

This high-profile youth hockey tournament is a first-time event for Greater Lansing and will be held from March 28 to April 1, 2012 at the dual host facilities, Suburban Ice East Lansing and The Summit Ice & Sports Complex in Dimondale.

"This is a first-rate sports event for the region and for the governing body to select Greater Lansing to host is a huge win," said Mike Price, Executive Director of the GLSA. "Our resume of past successful ice sports events combined with the strength of our regional ice sports partners was a key to getting this event which will have all kinds of positive impact on the community as a whole."

The 2012 USA Hockey Tier II 18 & under National Championships will include one local team and bring in 36 teams from across the country, some traveling from as far as Alaska for an average five-night stay in the Greater Lansing area. As each team, comprised of 20 players and three coaches each, will play only one game per day, they will have lots of free time to get out and explore the community and its many restaurants, shops and attractions. It is estimated the event will fill over 3,000 hotel rooms during the stay and have a big impact on the regional economy.

Several Greater Lansing sports entities worked together to help secure this national event, including the Greater Lansing Area Hockey Association, Suburban Ice East Lansing and the Greater Lansing Sports Authority.

To purchase tickets to the event visit either of the host facilities or get more information at the custom website for the event www.lansingsports.org/usah2012. For more information about the event or the GLSA, contact Mike Price with the GLSA at 517-449-1406.

The Greater Lansing Sports Authority (GLSA) is a division of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau. The GLSA's mission is to be the leading voice of sports tourism in the Greater Lansing area and to promote economic growth by attracting a diverse range of sporting events to the region. The GLSA will strive to enhance the quality of life for area residents through the development of local sports and fitness programs for all ages, and to support the continued development and maintenance of safe, high-quality athletic facilities.

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