LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The largest girls' basketball tournament in the country is tipping off in Louisville — and it’s delivering more than just jump shots.

Organizers say this year’s Run 4 Roses tournament series is expected to bring nearly $60 million in economic impact to the city, making it one of the most significant annual events in Kentucky outside the Derby.

The back-to-back tournaments, which began July 8 and run through July 21, include the Roses Rising, Run 4 Roses Classic, Run 4 Roses Championship, and The Splash, along with a boys’ tournament called the Grassroots Championship.

Games are being played across nearly 100 courts inside and outside the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Tucker Neale, founder and director of Run 4 Roses, said more than 1,600 girls' teams are participating — including teams from nine countries, with Australia sending 16. He estimates the tournament will bring close to 200,000 people to Louisville.

“Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby will always be king, but we’re happy to be the queen,” Neale said.

Neale also credited Louisville’s layout and hospitality for the tournament’s success: “People are nice, the food is great, it’s a small city people can get around easily, and the airport is one mile from the facility.”

With thousands of players, families, and fans in town, local businesses are seeing a boost, especially in downtown areas like Fourth Street. A bartender at Pizza Bar Louisville said crowds have been lining up.

“We had a DJ on Thursday night, and there were just so many people in here,” said Grant Falls. “Everybody was having a good time, dancing — yeah, it’s been really nice to see it full.”

The tournament runs through July 21.