VALPARAISO – South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has developed a partnership with the Valparaiso University Athletic Department.
While the SSCVA, the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso University have worked together on numerous events in the past, the official partnership will bring greater benefits to all parties. The partnership has helped VU’s Athletic Department purchase a state-of-the-art scorer’s table, which is important for the men’s basketball nationally televised games.
The partnership also allows South Shore CVA to streamline the hotel booking process for teams and spectators.
“Valparaiso University has the only Division I athletic program between Chicago and South Bend, so we really are Northwest Indiana’s home team,” said Mark LaBarbera, director of athletics for Valparaiso University. “A lot of people outside of the region look to the South Shore CVA for information. We want them to see that national-quality events happen here, and because of the reach of the South Shore CVA and their ability to communicate well, it is a beneficial partnership for us.”
The City of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University and the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority have worked together on other sporting events, always showcasing their shared vision of regionalism.
“When amateur sports enthusiasts and fans come here for an event, they’re not coming to stay in Lake County, Porter County or LaPorte County; they’re coming for the event. We’re going to offer them additional activities to enjoy while they’re here,” said Speros Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.
