State of Illinois

07/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2026 10:06

Amateur Trapshooting Association's Grand American returns to World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta

SPRINGFIELD -
The Amateur Trapshooting Association's (ATA) Grand American championships , one of the premier events in shooting sports, returns to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta July 29 through Aug. 8.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' 1,600-acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex has hosted the Grand American since 2006. 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 Grand has an estimated economic impact of $25 million to $30 million annually in southern Illinois.

"Hosting the Grand American is a tremendous point of pride for Illinois, and IDNR is grateful for its long-standing partnership with the Amateur Trapshooting Association," said IDNR interim Director Renee Snow. "IDNR is committed to supporting this event and ensuring the World Shooting and Recreational Complex remains a national destination for shooting sports and outdoor recreation."


The World Shooting and Recreational Complex offers 120 trap houses stretching 3.5 miles, two sporting clays courses, 24 combination trap and skeet fields, and rifle-pistol shooting. It also features more than 1,000 camping sites, excellent fishing opportunities, a full-service restaurant, and meeting and event space. Visit its website for more information about recreation, dining, and event-hosting capabilities at the facility.

About IDNR


The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
State of Illinois published this content on July 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 16, 2026 at 16:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]