BMX bike competition rides into Springfield this weekend

For the second straight year, Wilson Logistics Arena will host a national BMX bike racing competition that is expected to result in an economic impact exceeding $1 million.

The arena at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds is expected to welcome over 1,000 riders this weekend, both professional and amateur, to the USA BMX Show Me State Nationals. The event begins today and runs through Sunday, according to a news release.

Last year’s event, which marked the start of a four-year agreement between the city of Springfield and USA BMX to host the Show Me State Nationals in the Queen City, had 1,001 riders from 40 states and four countries participate. It drew an attendance of 12,615 over the course of the three-day competition, according to the release.

“This opportunity highlights how far we’ve come as a community in supporting and growing BMX events, and we’re thrilled to showcase Springfield as a premier destination for the sport,” said Lance Kettering, executive director of the Springfield Sports Commission, in the release. “To be entrusted with this opportunity feels amazing, and to be chosen to host this indoor event is truly an honor.”

Kettering said via email the estimated direct economic spending of last year’s Show Me State Nationals was $1.1 million, adding the estimated room nights surpassed 2,800.

“We feel like this year’s event will be similar in numbers,” he said, adding the 2025 edition is three weeks earlier than last year’s competition.