Squash Otago hosts the New Zealand masters individual and team championships from this Friday which will mean an influx of more than 100 people from outside Otago.
About 160 players will compete in the individual tournament, with about 102 of those coming from outside Otago.
There is one entrant from Australia, while others have come from as far north as Northland.
The tournament is open to players 35 and older, although there is more than 40 years across the field, as the oldest player is Canterbury's Barry Gardiner (78).
The team event starts on Monday, and features eight teams of 11 (six men and five women per team).
It is a vote of confidence by Squash New Zealand in the Otago region's ability to host larger events.
It hosted the D grade championship two years ago, and the masters tournament would be followed by another event, Squash Otago executive officer Aynsley Munro said.
``We are starting to host national events more regularly. Next year, we've got the South Island champs,'' she said.
It had been ``a number of years'' since Otago had hosted a national championship.
``It's quite exciting, really, to showcase our sport.''
The Dunedin City Council had helped Squash Otago with the hosting fee,and the benefits flowed back into the city.
``We do a lot of advertising and people stay in motels, use rental vans and restaurants, so it's a boost to the economy.''
The star attraction is former Commonwealth Games medallist and world doubles champion Shelley Kitchen, who is the top seed in the 35-39 women's section.
The individuals section starts at lunchtime on Friday and finishes on Sunday. The team section runs from Monday to Wednesday next week.
