SPRINGFIELD – The World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta will host the American Trapshooting Association (ATA) Grand American through 2036.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and ATA made that announcement Thursday after a contract extension between the two groups cleared the way for the event to continue being held in Sparta.  

The Grand American, 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 event, which was first hosted at the World Shooting Complex in 2006, has an estimated economic impact of $25 million to $30 million annually.

The 2024 Grand American is set for July 31 to Aug. 10. More than 4 million targets will be thrown during the event.

The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta is part of the IDNR family of sites.