 Tucson’s
calendar
chock full
of events in 2004
TravelGolf.com Staff Report
Here are some of the top attractions on the schedule for Tucson this
year.
World’s Largest Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase
The annual Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase attracts international
attention and contributes more than $75 million to Tucson’s economy. This
is the world's largest gathering of gem show exhibitors and buyers. Visitors
will find everything from gold necklaces, ruby rings and diamond tiaras
to granite bookends, fossils and beads. This year’s show will mark the
50th anniversary of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society show.
Date: January 30-February 15, 2004
Rodeos:
The 79th annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros and Women’s Rodeo will attract
an estimated 55,000 people. The Rodeo Parade is world famous as the longest,
non-motorized parade in the world. It kicks off Tucson’s celebration of
the cowboys featuring a rodeo that ranks among the top 15 PRCA rodeos
in North America. Tucson also hosts the Desert Thunder Pro Rodeo in the
fall.
 Date: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros February 25-29, 2004
Desert Thunder Pro Rodeo October 16-17, 2004
PGA and LPGA Golf:
The annual PGA Tournament attracts some of the finest golfers in the
world each year to play here. The event raises money for the Tucson Conquistadors,
a group that promotes athletics among young people. Each year it contributes
more than half a million dollars to such ventures. The LPGA event raises
funds for the Tucson Parks Foundation. The PGA’s Chrysler Classic of Tucson
will be held at the Omni
Tucson National Golf Resort. The LPGA’s Welch’s/Fry’s Championship
will be held at the Randolph North Golf Course.
Date:
PGA Tournament February 22-29, 2004
LPGA Tournament March 11-14, 2004
 Major League Baseball Spring Training:
Tucson hosts three Major League Spring Training teams every year – the
Arizona Diamondbacks, the Colorado Rockies, and the Chicago White Sox.
A total of 45 games are played for the public, with ticket prices under
$12. Tucson Electric Park, on the south side of Tucson, is home to the
Diamondbacks and the Sox. Hi Corbett Field, in mid-town, is home to the
Colorado Rockies.
Date: March 2004
Mariachi Festival:
The International Mariachi Conference is one of the largest annual conferences
for mariachi musicians in the world.
Date:
April 19-24, 2004
El Tour de Tucson:
This bicycle tour is the largest perimeter race open to both professional
and amateur riders. It attracts cyclists from all over the globe. Greg
LeMonde and Jeanne Longo have both competed here.
Date: November 22, 2004
El Conquistador Tennis Classic:
This event attracts more than 1,500 rising stars of tennis from 45 states
and 19 international countries. Women’s Tennis Association players Megan
Shaughnessy and Alexandra Stephenson competed here as juniors. Events
are free and open to the public. Date: USTA Super National Championships,
December 27,2003- January 1, 2004
Copper Bowl Junior Tennis Championships, January 1-6, 2004
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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