In the lengthy list of professional, collegiate and amateur sporting events that Visit Buffalo has brought to the region, it has never had people jumping through ropes.
Until now.
Buffalo has been selected by the American Jump Rope Federation to host its 2026 national championship.
That's right professional jump ropers are coming to Buffalo and there will be lots of them.
The competition, set for June 17 to 21, 2026 at Buffalo State University, will bring in at least 750 professional jump ropers and they could leave behind an economic impact of, potentially, more than $1 million.
"This is a perfect example of us finding new events to bring to Buffalo," said Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo CEO and president.
The jump rope competition - just by itself - could see as many - or more - as 1,250 Buffalo hotel room nights booked.
"That, by itself, is a huge plus," Kaler said.
Visit Buffalo began its pitch one year ago following an initial meeting at sporting events convention. The agency's aggressive pitch include videos of people jumping rope in Niagara Square with Buffalo City Hall in the background and testimonials from other sports and competition-related event planners about how effective Visit Buffalo is in handling all sorts of events.
The quirkiness of the jump rope competition aside, Kaler said there is a long term impact from the event. If Visit Buffalo wins rave feedback from the jump rope federation, it could lead to other, new bookings.
"These planners do talk and a glowing report about Buffalo could open a lot of doors," Kaler said.