Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Grand American returns to Sparta

The Amateur Trapshooting Association’s (ATA) Grand American championships, one of the premier events in shooting sports, returns to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta July 29 through Aug. 8.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ 1,600-acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex has hosted the Grand American since 2006. The largest and oldest shooting event of its kind features more than 20 events and attracts more than 5,000 competitors and spectators from across the globe annually. The Grand has an estimated economic impact of $25 million to $30 million annually in southern Illinois.

“Hosting the Grand American is a tremendous point of pride for Illinois, and IDNR is grateful for its long-standing partnership with the Amateur Trapshooting Association,” said IDNR interim Director Renee Snow. “IDNR is committed to supporting this event and ensuring the World Shooting and Recreational Complex remains a national destination for shooting sports and outdoor recreation.”

This is the 127th year for the ATA Grand American. Go online for a full schedule of events and more information about the Amateur Trapshooting Association.

The World Shooting and Recreational Complex offers 120 trap houses stretching 3.5 miles, two sporting clays courses, 24 combination trap and skeet fields, and rifle-pistol shooting. It also features more than 1,000 camping sites, excellent fishing opportunities, a full-service restaurant, and meeting and event space.