PAPILLION, Nebraska - U.S. Quidditch will host its regional championship this weekend at Papillion Landing.
“We’re delighted to host USQ and raise awareness of this sport in the Omaha community,” said Fred Uhe, Tourism Director at Sarpy County Tourism. “Quidditch is a unique and fun sport that is sure to entertain spectators of all ages.”
Uhe says U.S. Quidditch describes the sport as a cross between rugby, field hockey, basketball and dodge ball. This is a growing co-ed sport that is gaining in popularity across the country.
The winner will compete in the US Quidditch Cup national championship.
In addition to the tournament, there will be a vendor fair managed by Omaha Comic-Con, and Fontenelle Forest personnel are bringing owls to the event on Saturday from 12pm-1pm.
USQ is also hosting a free introduction to quidditch workshop for youth ages five to 18. “This workshop is the perfect opportunity to try the sport for the first time,” said Alex Schiphoff, Athletic Events Coordinator at Sarpy County Tourism.
To participate, stop by the HQ tent on-site. All participants must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Admission to the tournament is free and open to the public, though money raised through donations will help USQ’s mission to advance the sport by organizing events and programs that build community and empower all genders to compete together.
The teams attending include:
Columbia College Chicago Quidditch
Creighton Quidditch
Illi Ridgebacks Quidditch
Illinois State University Firebirds
Iowa Quidditch Club
Kansas Quidditch
Marquette University Quidditch
Maryville University Quidditch
Minnesota Quidditch
Mizzou Club Quidditch
SIUE Quidditch Club
Southern Illinois University
University of Northern Colorado
Wichita State University