Canton Cup Draws Record Teams

Michigan Tournament Brings 40,000 People to Area

June 2, 2009

The Canton Cup in Michigan drew 584 teams last Memorial Day, a record for the 27-year-old tournament.

The high number of team brought nearly 40,000 people to the area, according to hometownlife.com, providing a need influx of business for local establishments.

“We call it hell week here because it's so busy,” Ann Blackburn, a manager at a local restaurant, told hometownlife.com “We're tired by the end, but it's good because so many people come in. We always make sure we have extra staff on hand for soccer weekend.”

The Canton Cup tournament is put on by the Canton Soccer Club and Canton Leisure Services.

“The Canton Soccer Club hosts the tournament and we have the facilities and help with logistical support,” Abe Vinitski, Canton parks supervisor told the website. “I've had a part in seven Memorial Day cups and this has been the best yet. The planning and organization gets better every year.”