What constitutes a contract?

I was approached by an organization to host an event ( qualifier for their National Sports Org). I booked the fields, promoted the event and filled it with teams. A few months later the acquired a partner to host the events. When I asked them if they were going to honor the event I was to yes, through email. The problem now is that the event is not listed on there calendar and there is no recognition of the event. Now I am simply being referred back and forth between people. I have placed deposits on the facilities and spent funds promoting the event. Since the teams cannot verify it's a qualifier they are wanting a refund.