CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — Efforts are underway in northwest Indiana to host sporting events as an economic tourism engine.

The Times of Northwest Indiana reports that the National Softball Association “A” World Series in Crown Point this week is one of several youth tournaments in the area this summer.

Crown Point Mayor David Uran says the city envisioned the influx of tourism when it began investing in the Sportsplex and the Legacy Fields at Center Ross Park years ago.

Speros Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, says the estimated economic impact of the softball tournament alone is $500,000.

Additionally, the tourism board in Porter County has conducted a study, and there are plans a sports resort in Portage. Construction of the $8 million Mascot Hall of Fame is expected to start in Whiting this fall.