Biddy event to benefit Thibodaux economy

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This weekend, hundreds of kids will take the floor at the Harang Auditorium with a common goal: to win a championship.

While all the jump shots are taken and the balls are bounced, businesses around the city will be making much-needed dollars in the current unsteady economy.

Officials with Biddy Basketball say that this weekend’s Biddy World Tournament is a gold mine for the city – literally – an event which can pump hundreds of thousands of dollars into the city’s economy throughout its duration.


Biddy National Director Firimin Simms said Thibodaux is ideal for the event, because of the city’s infrastructure, which allows teams to eat, sleep and be entertained all within a couple miles from the Harang Auditorium. 

“You couldn’t ask for more,” Simms said. “Everything that you could want is right here. The businesses love it. The kids love it. The coaches tell us that this is one of the best run events that they’ve been to. That’s why we come back. Because we’d have a lot of explaining to do if we didn’t.”

The tournament features 16 of the best U8 basketball teams around.


In the past, teams from all over the country ascended to Thibodaux for the event, which begins Saturday and ends on Wednesday. But with Biddy Basketball’s slow decline in recent years, the tournament now mostly features Louisiana teams and a few others from outside of the state.

But that doesn’t matter much to local businesses, who are happy to accept business from anyone.

Throughout the weekend, eateries around the gym stay full with customers, and grocery stores get a little boost, as well.


Some teams stay in the city for the duration of the event, which is also good for tourism-specific businesses like Swamp Tours or other local favorites.

For updates on the tournament throughout the weekend, check HoumaTimes.com.

Businesses, hotels, filled as travelers compete in Lafourche


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