Twenty-four years and still going strong. The Show-Me State Games got off to a festive start tonight with the opening ceremonies at the Hearnes Center.

The Show-Me State Games are the largest state games in the nation with about 26,000 athletes competing. Those athletes screamed chants in the stairwell of Hearnes while awaiting their welcome to the opening ceremonies.

Lisa Horn said, "We're all pumped and can't wait until tomorrow!"

There was dancing, singing, and even MU's very own quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel made an appearance to give advice.

He said, "Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. It's all about you...it's internally."

Not only do the athletes benefit from the games, local businesses get a nice boost. The games brings in more than just athletes, they bring in the dollars as well.

Richard Walls, of Boone Tavern Restaurant said, "We've enjoyed the groups that have come back year after year and we get larger groups especially with our outdoor courtyard we have tomorrow night two groups of 45 coming in and that makes for a better summer Saturday night."

The Assistant Director of SMSG Larry Luetjen says last year's games brought in 15 million dollars.

Reported by: Cierra Obioha