ACWORTH — The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour returns to Acworth next weekend, kicking off its 2012 season at Dallas Landing Park in Acworth.

More than 10,000 spectators are expected to flock to the park on Lake Allatoona over two days to watch the top riders in the sport compete in a series of elimination rounds while performing aerial maneuvers and rail tricks.

The event, which draws international riders to Acworth, brings about $750,000 to the city, said James Albright, director of Acworth parks and recreation.

“We know it has a positive impact,” Albright said. “It brings riders, families and people from all over the world.”

Friday will feature qualifying rounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to the public. The ticketed main event happens Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase on event dates at Dallas Landing Park and are $13 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets may also be purchased in advance at www.prowake boardtour. com.

Not all of the action takes place on the water.

Fans at the family-oriented event will be able to enjoy food and music on shore, get athletes’ autographs, enter contests to win prizes, and shop for water-sports equipment and fashions. At the Pro Tour’s entertainment stage, guests can also catch athlete interviews, color commentary and live music.

New this year is the water debut of the fourth-generation XStar from MasterCraft, which is a big deal for the event, tour spokesman Bo Morris said. The 1,000-pound boat, which will be pulling the wakeboarders, was designed by experts to create some of the largest wakes ever produced.

“Year in and year out, Acworth is always one of the most electric venues on tour,” said Chris Bischoff, Pro Wakeboard Tour competition director.

“The fans are in for a treat this year. The greatest and latest MasterCraft XStar is getting rave reviews from the riders, and we anticipate some next-level riding behind it throughout the competition.”

Defending champion Phil Soven, 22, of Florida, will be facing some of the world’s best riders, who will be trying to keep him from claiming his fifth tour title in the past six seasons. Also competing are participants in the women’s pro division and junior pro men’s division.

Following Saturday’s final rounds of competition, fans can enjoy two exhibition events — the Double Up Contest and Big-Air Kicker Contest — featuring top athletes performing unconventional tricks.

The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, is supported locally by the Acworth Business Association, Ahoy Marine, Extreme Propulsions, American Family Insurance–the Marvon Williams Agency, Shoreline Entertainment, Quickie Coupons, J.D.’s Bar-B-Que and PTS Sports.

The event will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network, formally the Versus network.

Parking will be available Friday and limited parking Saturday at Dallas Landing Park at 5120 Allatoona Drive, off Main Street. Shuttle service will be provided from designated stops in downtown Acworth.