FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE American CueSports Illinois State Association Makes QC Illinois-Side Debut
February 27, 2026
QUAD CITIES, IL/IA (February 27, 2026) - The American CueSports Illinois State Association (ACSISA) will hold its 29th Annual 8-Ball State Championships & Open 9-Ball Tournament in East Moline, Illinois, March 18-22, 2026, at the Bend XPO Center, hosted by Visit Quad Cities. This marks the first time the tournament will be held on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities. The multi-day tournament will bring top cue sports competitors to the Quad Cities region and is open to the public with free spectator admission.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the American CueSports Illinois State Championships to Bend XPO for the first time,” said Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth & Director of Sports QC. “Hosting an event of this caliber not only showcases the versatility of this premier venue but also reflects Sports QC’s commitment to delivering first-class experiences for athletes and event organizers while continuing to grow opportunities for championship competition in our community.”
Event Schedule
- Wed, Mar 18: Scotch Doubles, 9-Ball, Senior, 8-Ball
- Thurs, Mar 19: Various 8-Ball Divisions
- Fri-Sun, Mar 20-22: Team Play
- Sat-Sun, Mar 21-22: Illinois State Junior Event
“The American CueSports Illinois State Association has experienced strong working relationships with each host venue it has visited over the past three decades,” said Cecil Messer, Events Chairman, ACSISA. “Our players have enjoyed every championship event center for its value, as each venue offers its own unique qualities. Each property has also left the door open for return events, and we have continued to grow each year as event centers reach out to us annually. After a visit to East Moline by the entire Board of Directors, the consensus was unanimous to award the event to the Bend XPO Center. We are very proud to feature this prestigious sport and showcase the Quad Cities region to the rest of the state. Illinois league players with at least four weeks of participation are invited to compete. There are many different divisions of singles and team competition for all skill levels; there truly is something for everyone. One does not have to be a seasoned player to compete. Even if you do not qualify to play, you can still compete in 9-Ball singles, which is open to all.”
More than 1,000 players and thousands of total entries are expected throughout the tournament, bringing players, families, and spectators to the region and generating hotel stays, dining visits, and local spending across the Quad Cities region. Adding to the excitement, Hall of Famer and World Artistic Billiards Champion Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman will perform live artistic trick-shot demonstrations during the event. Attendees can also enjoy billiards vendors, commemorative merchandise, on-site massage therapy, raffles, giveaways, and additional daily activities throughout the venue.
The American CueSports Illinois State Association will offer space for media to broadcast remotely during the event.
Find more information on acsisa.org.
Main Media Contacts
Cecil Messer, Events Chairman | 219.465.8101
Dan Taylor, President | 630.399.8890
Kayla Morath, CTA
PR, Communications, and Content Coordinator
Visit Quad Cities
[email protected] | Direct: 309.736.6827 | Cell: 309.628.9222
About The American CueSports Illinois State Association (ACSISA)
Through league and tournament play, the ACSISA (American Cue Sports Illinois State Association) offers one of the most unique billiards experiences in Illinois. Their mission is to heighten the interest and awareness of cue sports through the support and sanctioning of organized competition throughout Illinois, the United States, and North America.
About Sports QC
Sports QC Powered by Visit Quad Cities is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and division of Visit Quad Cities that operates as the official sports commission by attracting, hosting, creating, and facilitating sporting events, tourism, and opportunities for the region. Learn more at SportsQuadCities.com.
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, shares and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place. Accredited through Destinations International's Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), Visit Quad Cities is recognized globally for operating at the highest level of industry standard.