SPARTA, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) have signed a contract extension that clears the way for the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta to host the ATA Grand American through 2036.

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 1,600-acre World Shooting Complex is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday each week. Activities include trap and skeet shooting, sporting clays, and other sporting activities. The site also features more than 1,000 campsites and fishing opportunities. Go online for a calendar of upcoming events.