Overview

Debuting in 1900 at the Interstate Park in Queens, New York, the Grand American was originally a four-day tournament contested in June. For the next 20 plus years the Grand American was staged in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus until it made its home in Vandalia, Ohio from 1923 until 2005.

In 2006, the Grand American moved to its new home at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, IL. This state of the art facility features 120 trap fields extending for 3.5 miles making it the worlds largest trap line. To find out more about the WSRC please visit their website.

Since its inception, the Grand American has grown from a mere 20 competitors in 1900 to more than 5,800 participants in 2006. Over the years, the likes of Annie Oakley, Roy Rogers and John Philip Sousa have participated in the Grand American.

In its current format, the Grand American consists of 24 events spanning over an 11 day period. The first 5 days of the tournament are referred to as "Preliminary Days" in which competitors may fine-tune their skills prior to competing in the championship events of "Grand Week."

Not only is the Grand American the largest shooting tournament in the world, but it also offers competitors the opportunity to explore the most advanced products and services in the shooting industry. The WSRC is a spectacular site in itself. With more than 1,000 camping sites, 100+ exhibitors, and thousands of competitors, the Grand is more than a championship. It's a celebration of the sport.

The hub for all this activity is located in the Events Center. This location provides competitors with a sophisticated entry system, which incorporates computerized classification, handicapping, entry processing/cashiering and score reporting. A closed-circuit television network conveys event leaders, event results, squads on deck and messages to better inform individuals during their stay on the grounds.

Camp sites offering hook-ups and onsite shower facilities offer the thrill of camping on-site during the 11 day event. Many competitors end the day by joining friends at various campsites to share the day's shooting stories or to enjoy a cookout.

More than 100 exhibitors are on-site to provide products and services ranging from gun sales and services, to shooting accessories and apparel. Conveniently located near the trap line, these exhibitors offer a shopping-mall type atmosphere to shop for that special item.

Bingo and sightseeing trips are just two of the activities offered to individuals who may not be competing or those who are looking to take a break from the action.