Though Spokane has been dubbed Hooptown USA because of Gonzaga basketball and Hoopfest, the city will play host in the fall to another fast-paced sport.

The Podium Powered by STCU will hold the 2023 Badminton World Federation Junior Championships Sept. 24-Oct. 8, Spokane Sports announced.

The two-week competition will include 400 athletes ages 19 and under from more than 50 countries. The tournament is expected to generate $5 million in tourism spending for the city, with 5,000 booked hotel room nights expected, the news release says.

The event will carry some historical significance, says Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports.

“It’s also the first time our city has hosted a world championship—an exciting indication of what’s possible when you pair a world-class sports facility with community leaders who support economic development through sports tourism,” Blake says.

Spokane is the first American city chosen to host the event, Blake says.

“This event will provide a fantastic opportunity for young badminton players from around the world to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level,” says chairman of USA Badminton Fred Tang in a release.

Located at 511 W. Dean, The Podium is an indoor, multisport venue that opened in 2021. The Spokane Public Facilities District will convert that space into nine courts and will feature both the mixed-team championship and the individual championship.

Before the world event, The Podium also is scheduled to host the 2023 USA Badminton Junior National Championships in late June.