Thousands of athletes, coaches, and families are in Knoxville for the next five days for the American Youth Soccer Organization's National Games.
The event is expected to generate millions of dollars for local businesses.
"Its a great opportunity for them to visit our attractions, eat in our restaurants, to stay in our hotels and experience the southern hospitality that Knoxville is so well known for," said Jennifer Morris, Director of Sales for the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation.
"That's going to translate into anywhere from $9 million to $15 million," said Dianne Stratton, AYSO National Games Venue Chair.
AYSO has events planned through the duration of the tournament beyond those on the field.
"We like to bill it as a cultural event where we just happen to play a little soccer too," Stratton said.
The tournament is already proving to be a boon to local businesses.
"We've had a lot of families and additional attendees that we weren't expecting originally, so it's nice to see them hit the Knoxville area and us see the contribution is making to the city," said Sherri Wozniak, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Downtown Marriot.
Tourism officials hope those contributions continue beyond the final whistle.
"It's also an opportunity for them to come back and possibly look at Knoxville and our East Tennessee area as a possible vacation destination," Morris said.
"We'd love to have their business again," Wozniak said.
The games start Thursday. Championship matches are set for Sunday at Regal Stadium.