RENO, NV - Thousands of visitors are in town for the 2010 WAC Basketball Tournament, and tourism officials say they expect this to help boost our economy.

Ellen Oppenheim, the president of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitor Authority says last year, 46,000 residents and visitors attended the tournament.

“We estimate about a quarter came from out of town,” Oppenheim said. “We can document 1,700 hotel room nights that were booked, directly related to the tournament.”

“It’s such an honor to host it in Northern Nevada,” UNR Athletic Director Cary Groth said. “We hope people will take advantage of the ticket prices and hospitality that Lawlor Events Center will offer.”

However, this is the last year the tournament will be held in Reno. It’s headed to Las Vegas next year, a “neutral site,” where Reno is a part of the Western Athletic Conference.

“We’re excited about going to Vegas next year,” Groth said. “But we want to make this last tournament in Reno a special one. So come on out, support the pack.”

The tournament starts Wednesday, with the Lady Pack taking on Boise State at 6 p.m.