National BMX event coming to Evansville

EVANSVILLE, ind. (WEHT) -- About 500 BMX riders are expected to arrive in Evansville for the first time in 16 years.

That announcement comes after the city's regional sports commission announced its schedule for events at the Burdette Park BMX track. The track at Burdette Park will be home to the USA BMX Hoosier national competition.

Riders say BMX is a family and are excited for the competitions return to the river city.

"It's also really fun because you meet great people, make new friends. I mean, BMX, it's pretty much family. That's all. It's pretty much about.

Not only are they celebrating 50 years of the BMX track at Burdette Park, but it will also host the national competition officials say this will bring in hundreds of guests to Evansville and stimulate the local economy.

"When a family travels to Evansville for an event like the Hoosier Nationals, they're not just coming here for a race,” says Sports Development Director Erin King. “They're staying in our hotels, eating out of restaurants, filling up at our gas stations, shopping in our community, and experiencing our attractions.”

The BMX track at Burdette Park has been transformed into one of the most unique tracks over the years. It features a nearly 1,500ft course, its signature S turns and its downhill design which has made it one of the fastest tracks in the country.

“I even tried to ride one of the bikes to get a little practice before the event and quickly realized that BMX is not my sport,” says King.

This will be the first time in over a decade since the track has been home to the national competition. Riders in the Evansville BMX club say they are excited to compete and help host the event.

"Feels awesome,” says Evansville BMX Club member Brodie Ridgeway. “Honestly, it's quite shocking that we're even gaining a national status, and some people don't even know that this is even here. BMX, it's pretty much family. That's all. It's pretty much about.”

Officials say the track is open to the public, and the national competition will be held on Labor Day weekend of next year.

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