Community Playmaker - Issue 07 - January 2025

Inspiring the next great American community

January 2025 - Issue 07

MAGAZINE

IMPACT MAKING AN

BALLPARK FIGURES

The Impact of Sports and Events | P.28

THE PLANNING IMPACT PANEL Top Experts Weigh In P.34

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR P.14

Playmaker Spotlight

Virginia Beach’s Versatile Appeal | P.22

We serve municipal leaders of communities large and small by bringing together the intersection of tourism, economic development, amateur sports, and recreation in a way that no one else does. We bring private-sector innovation to government leaders to help protect and secure the future of sport, recreation, and tourism in America.

Editor in Chief

Creative Team

Ashley Whittaker

Tristan Makaroff Makenna Parks Ashley Kimmel

Feature Editor

Johnny Crosskey Digital Editor

Johnny Crosskey Assistant Editors

Ali Yenchick Cameron Connelly

This edition of Community Playmaker is dedicated to a powerful theme: Impact. Across America, spaces like fairgrounds, amphitheaters, and sports complexes are more than just destinations—they’re catalysts. They fuel local economies, strengthen cultural identity, and create gathering places where stories unfold and communities connect.

In these pages, you’ll find inspiring examples of developments that have transformed landscapes and lives, from revitalized fairgrounds driving tourism to sports complexes fostering local pride. Together, let’s celebrate the visionaries and collaborators turning ideas into lasting impact, proving that when we invest in places, we invest in people.

Peace, love, and public service, Ashley Editor in Chief, Community Playmaker Magazine

Research Coordinator

Cameron Connelly Website Manager

Stephen Shafii Event Manager

Alize Farhat

Contributing Writers

Matt Swenson Suzanne Wentley, Cameron Connelly, Michael LoRe Lacy Beasley Sam Boykin Advertising Inquiries

email: sales@communityplaymaker.com General Inquiries

email: info@communityplaymaker.com

Issue 07: Winter 2025

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the permission in writing from the publisher, except small excerpts for review purposes. Submitted work, reviews, ads, and photographs are copyrighted by their respective owners.

Copyright Community Playmaker Magazine 2025.

Cover Image Source: The Sports Facilities Companies / Elizabethtown Sports Park

2 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

The Sports Facilities Companies are a proud partner and sponsor of Community Playmaker.

IN THIS ISSUE

JANUARY 2025 - ISSUE 07 FEATURE

DEPARTMENT

14

4

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES Advice from Around the Country

6

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT From Strikeouts to Sellouts

10

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Impact of The Ocho

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR Celebrate Community Playmaker’s 2024 Top Community

28 BALLPARK FIGURES The Impact of Sports Tourism Goes Beyond Filling Hotels and Restaurants for Destinations with Premier Facilities.

34 THE PLANNING IMPACT PANEL Experts Weigh in on how Cities are Adapting To Shifting Preferences, Downtown Vacancies, and Walkability Dreams

22 PLAYMAKER SPOTLIGHT Versatility Powers Virginia Beach’s Events Appeal

42 BUYING POWER Brick-and-Mortar Stores Prove Valuable Assets to Communities Despite the Rise of E-Commerce

38 COMMUNITY PLANNING Tempe’s Transit Transformation

52 FAIRGROUND FRONTIER How Fairgrounds Evolved into Prime Redevelopment Hubs

26 FEATURED DATA The Economic Impact of Sports Tourism

54 COMMUNITY OPERATIONS Partners Powering City Services

Image Source: Hoover Met Complex JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 3

Leadership Perspectives

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES ADVICE FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

What advice would you give to young leaders?

David Jenkins Town Council Member La Plata, Maryland (pop. 11,104)

What advice would you give to young leaders?

Observe and learn the people and processes.

There is no template and it may take time.

However, this should not deter anyone from trying new techniques, demonstration projects, or needed changes.

I would tell them that this business demands true believers. If you’re going to end up in leadership in public service, particularly at the municipal level, you have to believe in the power of cities to change lives for the better. You have to love people. If you don’t love people, if you are not empathetic in helping them solve their challenges, this is not the business for you.

If it isn’t the business for you, you shouldn’t be a public sector leader, because all you’re doing is making people more cynical. So know thyself. You know who you are, how you are, and why you are. And if you can check all those boxes and say, “Yeah”, this is where I want to be, then get here as quick as you can, because we need all the good leaders that we can get.

Scott Ochoa City Manager Ontario, California (pop. 184,705)

4 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

What tool have you found invaluable when having an entertainment venue in your community?

Dianna W. Gracely

What advice would you give to young leaders?

The most invaluable resource when considering a venue like this is to find the right management team to book entertainment and handle all logistics. It is a daunting task, and the music industry is quite complex, so having experienced partners is critical.

For the next generation of leadership, my advice would be to use technology to your advantage but don’t rely solely on that.

Keeping open lines of communication with your staff, residents, and businesses is key to your success. Talking one-on-one with people shows your humanity and presenting yourself as part of the team (community) is so very important.

Many local government leaders haven’t been tasked with ownership of an amphitheater or arena in addition to everything else. If you’re going to build an entertainment venue, it’s imperative to learn from other cities.

Knowing all the successes and pitfalls will help you navigate what is a very challenging, but rewarding, addition to your community. in a way that’s fair to the taxpayers.

City Administrator Simpsonville, South Carolina (pop. 28,807)

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 5

Community Development

FROM STRIKEOUTS TO SELLOUTS

HOW AMPHITHEATERS ARE HITTING ECONOMIC HOME RUNS IN SMALL CITIES

By Matt Swenson

Image Sources: The Sports Facilities Companies / Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheter

W

hen its minor league baseball team struck out, the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut, started afresh with an RFP to revitalize its downtown. That decision to cut the cord with the Atlantic Division Bridgeport Bluefish and replace the ballpark with Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater has been a home run.

Howard Saffan, developer and president of the amphitheater, places the venue’s economic impact at $50 million per year since it opened in July 2021.

Music fans from across the country now come to Bridgeport to catch big-name acts like the Foo Fighters, Creed, Billy Strings, and others during the amphitheater’s jam-packed May-Halloween season.

Even more people come to Bridgeport to attend one of the many festivals that have sprung out of the venue’s success.

cases, this growth is also evident in population increases, which are at least partially attributed to communities providing widely popular amenities and attractions.

Hartford HealthCare is just one example of the power that amphitheaters have, particularly in mid-sized and smaller communities, to attract guests who fill hotels, frequent restaurants and shops, and drive valuable revenue to the economy. In some

Albertville, Alabama

6 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Here, we share three examples of how amphitheaters are resonating so well with destinations.

Albertville has a population of 26,000 people but shot above its size with Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, a 130acre, state-of-the-art complex that provides elite-level athletic facilities, fam-

ily-friendly public recreational spaces, and live entertainment in the form of its 5,000-seat outdoor music venue.

Top acts in the spring and summer of 2024 included Ludacris, 311, Cole Swindell, and the Old Crow Medicine Show.

The venue, operated by The Sports Facilities Companies, thrived since its 2021 debut despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s shadow. In 2021, the park hosted more than 75 large-scale sports events and concerts that generated an economic impact of $14.2 million for Marshall County. By 2023, the economic impact climbed to $23.2 million.

Beyond the concerts, the park’s bustling scene has been an attractor for community members to play sports, walk trails, or use the dog park.

“That’s the beauty of the original concept — its ability to cater to all the needs of our community while simultaneously showing off our area to visitors and sports events,” Albertville Mayor Tracy Honea

said in a previous interview with Community Playmaker. “If anything, I think the community aspect may increase over time with more amenities. We’ve constantly got our eye on improving the value of the area.”

Top acts in the spring and summer of 2024 at Sand Moutain Amphitheater included Ludacris, 311, Cole Swindell, and the Old Crow Medicine Show.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 7

Community Development

Bridgeport, Connecticut Saffan could see clearly out of his office the dwindling support for Bridgeport’s baseball team. Fortunately he already had a connection with Live Nation, as he operated Webster Bank Arena (now Total Mortgage Arena), a 10,000-seat sports venue also in Bridgeport.

When he learned Live Nation, the mega-company that operates live events and manages ticket sales internationally, was seeking a new venue in Connecticut, Saffan came out swinging to bring it to Bridgeport. His RFP proposal easily won out over 17 other ideas to replace the baseball stadium.

Bridgeport chipped in $12 million while Saffan poured in $20 million to create a state-of-the-art boutique amphitheater, according to Tom Gill, Bridgeport’s director of the office of planning and economic development. A 55,000-sq.-ft. tensile fabric cover, which serves as an umbrella for 93 percent of the 5,700 seats, is the highlight of the many touches that set the venue apart from its counterparts.

“What the amphitheater has done for downtown has been phenomenal,” Gill said. “You can’t get a reservation in a restaurant downtown when the amphitheater is having a concert.”

While Bridgeport had previously not been

“You can’t get a reservation in a restaurant downtown when the amphitheater is having a concert.” said Gill.

Image Source: City of Bridgeport, CT

8 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

a music hub, per se, its location has proven ideal for large acts in the Northeast.

The city is directly off Interstate 95 and a ferry connects the port to Long Island, New York. A train station is also within walking distance of Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.

The site is such a hit that the ferry runs an additional round trip on the night of concerts. Saffan is so pleased that plans for an additional music venue, The Fillmore, have been announced for Bridgeport.

Another outgrowth of the amphitheater’s success is the Soundside Music Festival, which draws 60,000 attendees each September to experience the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Noah Kahan, and Greta Van

Fleet. Gill notes that the festival draws enough revenue to pay for police and other public facilities.

Gill credits Saffan’s pro-Bridgeport approach, which is evident by the local vendors serving goods at Hartford HealthCare.

“It’s been a great win for the city,” Gill said of the amphitheater.

Simpsonville, South Carolina Unlike Bridgeport, Simpsonville officials didn’t envision an amphitheater as an economic driver. But CCNB Amphitheater at Heritage Park has organically evolved into a massive draw for the city about 20 minutes outside of Greenville.

The site was originally used as the new home for the relocated Freedom Weekend Aloft event in 2006. While that July 4 festival no longer exists, Simpsonville continues to add amenities as the venue’s drawing power only grows stronger. Most recently, new parking and restrooms improved the experience for the 15,000 attendees who catch shows there. The next goal is to raise funds for a partial roof, so that about half of the seating will be protected from inclement weather.

“It puts people in all of our hotels,” said Dianna Gracely, city administrator of Simpsonsville.

“They’re spending money in the city; they’re seeing Simpsonville so they’re able to get a feel for what our community is all about.”

Live Nation operates the amphitheater, ensuring it attracts top bands – and more importantly, their loyal fans.

A testament to the drawing power is that the Country Music Fest held in October 2024 brought visitors from across the globe – Gracely knows of at least one military member who planned her leave around the event to come from Kuwait.

Domestically, travelers came from as far as Oregon.

Gracely says the venue deserves some credit for the city’s population growing from about 18,000 to 30,000 in the past 20 years. “I think amenities like that bring people into the community because there’s so much more going on,” she said.

Image Sources: City of Simpsonville

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 9

Economic Development

THE IMPACT OF THE OCHO WHAT WEIRD SPORTS ARE DOING FOR CITIES

By Cameron Connelly

W

hen researching weird sports for this article, it was important to figure out what made something a “sport” in the first place. It is a polarizing subject in which I came away with more questions than answers.

But then I remembered a quote that perfectly articulated what separates a mere activity from a sport. It was the words of legendary F1 athlete Daniel Riccardo that echoed in the emptiness of my head: “Athletes sweat. Sweat baby. Kikiki. Rrraa. Sweat sweat. ooorr oor.”

So, there you have it.

Now that you see that there are little to no criteria for what gets featured on this list, enjoy the oddities I selected.

Image Source: City of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

10 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

1 Image Source: antisocialtory via Flickr

Coffin Races Manitou Springs, Colorado Everybody knows when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So, what do you do when life gives you an old coffin full of bones rushing down a mountainside? Held annually since 1995, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races honor Emma Crawford, a local resident said to haunt Red Mountain after her coffin raced down the incline during a flood. Today, teams of four race down the street pushing creatively decorated “coffins” with prizes for speed, style, and spirit.

World Championship Punkin Chunkin Sussex County, Delaware/Vinita, Oklahoma Punkin Chunkin, a competition to see who can launch a pumpkin the furthest, has deep roots in rural Delaware, where it began in 1986. The very first Chunkin’ Champion in 1986 launched their gourd 178 feet.

The most recent Chunkin’ Champion was crowned in 2019 with a launch distance of 4,091 feet. The distance the pumpkins are getting chunked continues to grow every year, just like people’s interest in the sport.

However, due to rising insurance

2

costs in Delaware, the competition was moved to Oklahoma in 2023.

The event has drawn crowds of over 20,000 people, and in past years, generated close to $1 million in economic impact for the local area. Vendors, food trucks, and local shops thrive with the influx of visitors who come to see pumpkin-flinging machines in action.

Beyond the financial benefits, Punkin Chunkin has given the local community a distinctive event that showcases rural ingenuity and creativity.

This Halloween-themed event brings in over 10,000 visitors each year, infusing the town with tourism revenue through hotel bookings, dining, and local shopping.

These races have grown into a beloved regional tradition, strengthening Manitou Springs’ quirky identity and providing locals and visitors with a fun and impactful event each October.

Image Sources: Visit Manitou Springs

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 11

Economic Development

Wife Carrying Championship Sunday River, Maine I, Cameron, take you, Community Playmaker reader, to be my wife, to have and to hold, to carry on my back through a 278-yard obstacle course.

To win your weight in beer and five times your weight in cash. To love and to cherish until parted by death. This is my solemn vow...

Wife carrying competitions have their roots in a Finnish legend and sport called “eukonkanto” but have become a hit in New England. Sunday River founded the North American Wife Carrying Championship in 1999 and continues to host the event to this day.

This quirky event attracts around 3,000 spectators each year in October and has put the Sunday River Resort on the map.

The championship creates an autumn tourism boost for hotels, restauarants, and retailers in Sunday River and surrounding communities.

Image Source: Mark Robinson via Flickr

4

3

Image Source: Whitefish Skijoring

Skijoring Whitefish, Montana With fewer and fewer Western movies being produced each year, the number of people being dragged by a horse through town is diminishing. Luckily, cities across the country are helping to keep those numbers up by hosting Skijoring tournaments and competitions. Combining horse racing with skiing, Skijoring has

transformed, Whitefish, Montana, into a winter tourism destination. Riders pull skiers through snowy tracks, competing for speed and skill.

Drawing an audience of over 7,000 annually, the Skijoring event generates about $1.8 million for the local economy, bring-

12 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

ing in revenue through accommodations, dining, and winter sports vendors. The event showcases Whitefish's unique winter culture and helps sustain local businesses well past the holiday season, spotlighting the power of sports tourism to drive revenue beyond conventional travel seasons.

Image Source: The Alaska Landmine

Running of the Reindeer Anchorage, Alaska If you have always wanted to run with the bulls in Pamplona but found a trip to Spain too expensive, or thought bulls were too scary and dangerous, or if you don’t like the heat, then you should check out the Running of the Reindeer! This Alaskan twist on Spain's famous bull run is held in downtown Anchorage, where participants sprint alongside reindeer in

a thrilling four-block dash. This event has become a major winter attraction, drawing tourists during the off-season and showcasing Alaska's unique culture.

The Running of the Reindeer is an integral part of the Fur Rendezvous Festival, which attracts more than 30,000 people during its 12-day run. Like many events in

5

the festival, it celebrates Alaska's unique culture and history while providing a jolt to the local economy during the long winter months. From its humble beginnings as a wild idea from a local DJ to its current status as a must-see spectacle, the Running of the Reindeer exemplifies the spirit of Alaskan ingenuity and fun.

Okie Noodling Tournament Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

6

I’m not a huge fan of fishing; I just thought that a catfishing tournament involving no fishing supplies was going to be something else entirely. Held annually in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, the Okie Noodling Tournament has become a local institution, drawing a crowd passionate about the unconventional sport of “noodling,” or hand fishing, for catfish.

This unique event has attracted over 10,000 attendees in recent years, adding substantial revenue to the local economy of a town with a population of around 6,000. The tournament is part of a growing trend in “heritage sports” that foster a strong sense of local pride and history, making the event both economically and culturally impactful for the Pauls Valley community.

Conclusion: Strange Games, Real Gains These unconventional sporting events demonstrate how creativity and local culture can transform into significant economic drivers. They attract niche tourism, generate media attention, and create lasting social impacts. From boosting off-season visitor numbers to fostering community pride, these weird sports prove that sometimes, the strangest ideas can have the most profound effects on local economies and social cohesion. As cities worldwide seek to differentiate themselves and attract visitors, embracing the unusual might just be the key to unlocking new economic and cultural opportunities

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 13

Greeley, Colorado COMMUNITY PLAYMAKER’S 2024 COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

By Suzanne Wentley

S

ome cities are proactive with residential growth. Other cities are proactive with economic development. Still others put a focus on community engagement. It’s rare to find a city that does all three — and that’s exactly what makes Greeley, Colorado stand out.

With a population of nearly 113,000 and a location a little over an hour’s drive from Denver, Greeley is in the midst of a transformation of its own making. Its elected officials, in working closely with a dedicated and motivated staff, have reached out to the residents. Together, they are creating plans for new residential developments and exciting technological inno-

vations, all with a promise to keep the warm, small-town feel that makes the city so beloved.

Community Playmaker is proud to announce Greeley as the 2024 Community of the Year.

“Our residents, by and large, think we’re doing good things and making it a great place to live,” said John Gates, Greeley’s mayor for the last seven years. “I can’t really ask for anything more. I really do care because I’m all about Greeley, and I’m not moving from Greeley.”

However, city officials anticipate thousands of new residents moving to the city. Projections see the population doubling by 2060.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 15

Community of the Year

Image Sources: City of Greeley

Built on a heritage of crop and animal agriculture, Greeley is one of the few cities along the Front Range of Colorado with significant open lands and plenty of available water resources for future development. It’s managed to keep its housing costs relatively low over the years, which is just one reason why so many people have discovered its charming downtown and welcoming community.

Dedicated to Inclusive Growth Nothing speaks to Greeley’s interest in inclusivity as its Housing for All initiative.

Deb Callies, the city’s housing director, credits the leadership of the mayor, city council, and a forward-focused city manager, Raymond Lee, for the holistic vision.

“They’re setting the stage for Greeley’s growth to be very mindful and strategic,” said Callies, who attended the University of Northern Colorado, which is based in Greeley. “When we say, ‘Housing for All,” we mean it: all income levels, all backgrounds, all people.”

Her office is currently working on a strategic plan, due out next year, with a variety

Another reason is the efforts officials and staff have made to position themselves for success. They are working on a housing plan focused on providing enough homes for executives, students, and even those who are currently homeless. They’ve also recently launched an entrepreneurial startup incubator program designed to attract and grow more innovative businesses locally.

“The growth isn’t exactly creeping up on us,” Mayor Gates said. “We’ve started to see our community diversify. And that could have been a challenge, but instead, we’ve embraced it.”

16 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Mayor John Gates, and City Manager Raymond Lee

of incentives to attract all kinds of residential development. They’re also working with families to receive down payment assistance or maintenance funds to help keep communities strong.

“We need 19,400 units over the next 20 years, all types in all price points,” Ms. Callies said. “We need 6,700 units over the next five years alone.”

In West Greeley, that development is already underway. A new mixed-use project on 1,000 acres is set to bring 6,000 new homes, 3.5 million square feet of retail space, a youth hockey arena, an indoor waterpark, and a hotel with 350 rooms to accommodate the estimated 350,000 visitors a year to the area, explained John Hall, the city’s director of economic development.

Affordable housing is a challenge Greeley is tackling head-on. Mayor Gates said the city council has adopted a “Housing First” model to collaborate with nonprofit, mental health, and faith-based organizations to identify barriers to housing and provide the necessary services. The goal is to end homelessness in the city, with 105 families finding permanent shelter in the last year alone.

Economic Incentives Bring in New Businesses

“I like to call it a hand up, not a handout,” he said. “We have the compassionate approach to try to get folks who are homeless, those who want to be housed into some safe affordable housing.”

“We work hard for that collaborative coordination, to be working toward the same goals and objectives at the same time,” Mr. Hall said. “It’s clear about where we are and where we want to go.”

In Greeley, the departments don’t operate independently. Part of the success comes from a team-oriented mentality. The housing department meets regularly with economic development, transportation, parks, planning, public outreach, and other agencies within the government.

Under Mr. Lee’s leadership, the economic development team is tasked to identify and pursue projects that fit with Greeley’s vision of responsible and inclusive growth.

“We have easy access to everything.

The views of the mountains are beautiful. It is kind of fantastic.”

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 17

Community of the Year

They are supported by residents, who recently voted to remove a “sunset” end date for a tax that had been used to fund $20 million in transportation infrastructure.

As a result, a lot is happening: A new medical school, funded in part with $130 million in state grants, is under development in collaboration with the university, which brings 15,000 students into the community. Three new multi-family projects have spurred new redevelopment efforts, including new restaurants and a grocery store, downtown along 8th Avenue.

The West Greeley development may even

be home to a minor league hockey team if negotiations are successful.

Greeley Runs on Community Engagement

Plus, there’s gBETA, an incubator program that’s run by Gener8tor and underwritten by the city’s general fund. It provides mentorship and support to emerging technology businesses in Greeley.

The elected officials and staff have confidence in their vision for the future in part because they know they have the support of the residents. Each year, they send a survey to gather feedback about their work and ideas for new priorities. Mayor Gates reported that 70 percent of those surveyed were satisfied with Greeley as a great place to live.

“We know there is tech growth all around us,” Mr. Hall said. “It’s important for us to be a part of that as we move forward. Greeley has a culture, and I want to respect and foster that character and culture. We honor the past while moving into the future.”

“We’ve had a lot of options in the city to maintain the status quo or to step outside the box a little bit,” he said. “And we’ve stepped outside the box a little.”

Still, the city continues to offer plenty of traditional events for residents to enjoy.

The annual Arts Picnic, Blues Festival, and Greeley Stampede bring in tourists and promote the city as a destination.

There are movies in the park over the summer, and there’s even a demolition derby that sells out the day tickets go on sale.

Image Sources: City of Greeley

18 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

City Manager Raymond Lee and Mayor John Gates

“Now, I don’t get it, but people love to watch cars crash,” the Mayor laughed. He goes on to say, “If we didn’t have some good things going on, people wouldn’t move here.”

Everyone is welcome, too. Forty percent of Greeley’s population speaks Spanish, and 12 languages are supported in the school district. Not everyone loves the additional traffic, but the city is working on that as well.

With all the proactive work, it’s no wonder so many people are discovering the city.

“It’s all happening at the same time,” Ms. Callies said. “It is such a desirable place to live. We have easy access to everything.

The views of the mountains are beautiful.

It is kind of fantastic.”

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 19

LEGENDS EVENT CENTER BRYAN, TX

20 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Your Turn Key Solution For a game-changing sports and recreation destination. sportsfacilities.com

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 21

Playmaker Spotlight

VERSATILITY POWERS VIRGINIA BEACH’S EVENTS APPEAL

SPORTS TOURISM, IN PARTICULAR, DRIVES BEACH BUSINESS TO THE OCEANFRONT DESTINATION

By Matt Swenson

Image Source: Virginia Beach Sports Center

Those out-of-town guests spent $2.4 billion – on food and beverage, lodging, recreation activities, and more.

The total economic impact on tourism was $3.7 billion

I

n an eventful week during Ryan Ladd’s first few months as Virginia Beach Sports Center’s general manager, he and his team prepare for an indoor track meet, tear down the setup to make room for a state wrestling tournament three days later, and then go full circle by laying the groundwork for another track competition.

Those seven days earlier this year are a showcase for the draw Virginia Beach has as a sports tourism destination. Aside from premier facilities, the city counts among its assets industry veterans leading the CVB, staff dedicated to producing premier events, and all of the amenities that come with being a beachfront destination.

The citywide attractions and venues consistently prove to be a big draw, attracting 13.64 million visitors in 2022, according to the city’s most recent economic data.

22 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Those out-of-town guests spent $2.4 billion – on food and beverage, lodging, recreation activities, and more. The total economic impact on tourism was $3.7 billion in that report. Given the COVID-19 pandemic has since receded, those numbers will likely jump when new results are released this fall.

Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer explains the huge benefits events bring: “Having the many events we do in Virginia Beach is a huge asset in several ways,” said Dyer. “First, it contributes to our tax base, which helps us continue to be an affordable community to live and work in.

Second, it raises our profile and gets the attention of businesses and families who might be interested in locating in our city.”

Image Source: The Sports Facilities Companies

Casting a Wide Net Hosting events is hardly new to the community, but the opening of the Virginia Beach Sports Center, currently operated by industry leader the Sports Facilities Companies, in 2020 added another differentiator.

For instance, the 200-meter hydraulic track inside the Sports Center immediately jumped the destination to the front of the line to host the country’s top amateur indoor meets. The NCAA has already hosted its Division II and III championships on the track, and Division I will make its inaugural run there in 2025.

Meanwhile, the National High School Coaches Association brought its two largest events – the High School Nationals and National Duals – to Virginia Beach in April and May 2024, respectively. Both will return in 2025. Additionally, the center hosted the U.S. Association of Collegiate Fencing Club’s National Championship in April.

“There’s not a ton of venues that have our ability to host events,” said Ladd, noting the 5,000-seat stadium adds to the center’s allure.

But there is more to Virginia Beach than sports tourism. Its list of venues makes the destination a hot spot for conferences, meetings, and special events, including those run by popular musician and hometown hero Pharell Williams.

“As we have grown, we have become a very diverse city that attracts events that appeal to a broad cross-section of citizens and visitors,” noted Dyer. “There is always something for everyone. As a city, we embrace these events and work and encourage everyone to get involved.”

The annual Jackalope Fest is a perfect case in point. Produced by a Canadian-based adrenaline sports company, the three-day festival held on the beach attracts top athletes – climbers, BMX riders, skateboarders, etc. – and 30,000 visitors.

Dani Timm, the CVB’s director of sports tourism, says each event’s success begets another. “We continue to grow events by utilizing multiple venues, such as the convention center, creating a campus environment during events,” she said.

The Fast Track That versatility is certainly in the Sports Center’s blueprints. Before it opened, Victus Advisors, a consulting firm that worked on the project, estimated the venue would add 33,000 new room nights annually to Virginia Beach. Timm reports the center has exceeded expectations.

the NCAA, AAU, and Adidas have already laid stakes with their indoor meets at Virginia Beach Sports Center.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 23

Playmaker Spotlight

“We doubled our projected number of events leading to a positive economic impact during the shoulder season,” Timm said.

Laura Peterson-Mlynski, director of the NCAA’s Division III championships, was effusive about the experience in Spring 2024.

Jeff Mlynski, the NCAA’s associate director of Division I championships and alliances, is sure the destination and center are ready for next March’s event.

Beyond the 18 basketball courts that convert into 36 volleyball courts, the center is established as a top wrestling venue and can host cheerleading, gymnastics, futsal, cornhole, martial arts, pickleball, fencing, and more.

“We loved working with the Virginia Beach staff,” she said. “They were excited to host us and it was evident in how they managed the event. They were accommodating and extremely professional. They were also extremely capable of adjusting on the fly throughout the event.

“The Virginia Beach Sports Center provides a facility footprint with tons of flexibility and options to accommodate attending student-athletes, coaches, and fans,” he said. “The quantity and proximity of hotels to the venue is a bonus. The success of the Division II and Division III championships in prior years has certainly helped lay the groundwork for this venue hosting high-level championship events, and we are looking forward to a great experience.”

But the hydraulic track is a true standout, as only about 10 other destinations have a similar surface. Hence, the NCAA, AAU, and Adidas have already laid stakes with their indoor meets there.

The facility also had more than enough space for our event and great ancillary spaces. It’s a great championship facility.”

Image Sources: City of Virginia Beach

24 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Beyond the 18 basketball courts that convert into 36 volleyball courts, the center is established as a top wrestling venue and can host cheerleading, gymnastics, futsal, cornhole, martial arts, pickleball, fencing, and more..

Image Source: The Sports Facilities Companies

More to Come Not surprisingly, the nation’s hottest sport, pickleball, arrived for two events this fall, organized by Major League Pickleball and the Carvana PPA Tour.

Also look for big waves once Atlantic Park makes its long-awaited debut in 2025.

Built on the site of the former Virginia Dome, this mixed-use development will be anchored by a year-round, 2.67-acre surf park powered by Wavegarden that can be used by experts and novices alike.

The site will also feature a live events venue, a public plaza for festivals and local markets, as well as shopping and dining establishments, offices, and residential units.

And the NCAA recently announced the Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships will return in 2028.

Such news suggests Virginia Beach is set to ride the wave of its momentum for years to come, said Dyer.

“Having so many festival events and sports tourism events – added to our highly popular oceanfront and resort activities – just expands and solidifies our status as a premium ‘go-to’ destination on the East Coast.”

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 25

Featured Data

Sports tourism generates

$52.2 billion in total direct spending, according to Sports ETA That included:

$13.5 billion

in transportation

$10.9 billion in lodging

$9.7 billion in food and beverage

$6.9 billion in recreation

$6.5 billion in retail

$4.7 billion in tournament operations

26 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

“With LS&S, we have been able to significantly increase the level of service to the community, while also reducing annual costs.”

- Mayor of Moreno Valley, CA

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 27

Image Source: Rocky Top Sports World

28 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

THE IMPACT OF SPORTS TOURISM GOES BEYOND FILLING HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS FOR DESTINATIONS WITH PREMIER FACILITIES.

By Matt Swenson

T

he owner of a vacuum store once came into a bar and approached Janna Clark, executive director of the Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau. He told her that the Kentucky city’s sports tourism initiative – namely Elizabethtown Sports Park – saved his shop.

What does an athletic complex sporting 25 fields have to do with sucking up dust?

More than you may imagine.

All of the restaurants, retail stores, and hotels serving out-of-town guests were suddenly a lot busier once the park opened in

2012. That meant better cleaning equipment and more repairs. The greater business kept the store going until the owner’s retirement.

There are also less tangible but equally important results, such as promoting more optimal health among citizens and improving city pride.

For all of the massive numbers associated with youth sports, the industry’s impact can be felt even at the smallest levels.

Tourism dollars help fund infrastructure improvements, pay for new amenities and attractions, and help sustain many local businesses. It encourages building more restaurants and hotels, generating new jobs ranging from the C-Suite to cleaning crews.

Here, we explore how sports tourism has helped craft the identities of three destinations and trace the vast benefits the facilities hosting young athletes continue to have on those communities.

Elizabethtown Sports Park While Elizabethtown had a vacuum shop, it lacked a large sporting goods store prior to the sports complex’s debut in 2012.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 29

Image Source: Gulfport Sportsplex

Image Source: Elizabethtown Sports Park

Image Source: MD SoccerPlex

“I don’t know what we did – did we drive to Louisville to go to the Dick’s?”

Clark asked rhetorically.

The Academy Sports + Outdoor big box in town is just one of several examples of retail gains resulting from the influx of sports travelers. Clark also cites other added amenities like Crowne Pointe Theatre, a state-of-the-art cineplex opening in 2018, and Social on Main, featuring 40 self-pour taps, duckpin bowling, an e-gaming lounge, and an indoor food hall with options for any taste.

Such growth is what city planners had in mind when they decided to distinguish Elizabethtown – an hour south of Louisville and two hours north of Nashville – through sports tourism. “Sports are more fun than meetings,” said Clark, explaining why a sports complex won out over a convention center.

By attracting travel teams for roughly 50 events per year, Elizabethtown is able to collect a restaurant tax to generate much-needed revenue for the construction of the sports park and other community projects like a planned 55-acre am-

phitheater that will hold 10,000 guests opening in 2026.

Needless to say, Elizabethtown Sports Park has delivered upon its goals. According to Clark, the park, which has been operated by The Sports Facilities Companies since 2019, hosts 35,000 players and an average of 105,000 guests annually, resulting in an economic impact of between $17.5 and $22 million per year. In 2022, officials marked the collective total at $150 million for the complex’s first decade – a number now closer to $200 million.

But the impact can’t be strictly measured by economics. Elizabethtown opens the sports park to local athletes and recreation leagues when a tournament is not in town – typically Mondays through Thursdays. Of note, the local flag football organization was recognized as one of the fastest-growing leagues in the country at the NFL Flag Football Summit last year.

There is a Miracle Field on-site for adaptive sports, playgrounds for siblings to run off energy, and trails to walk and bike.

The park also supports 10 year-round

30 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

full-time and up to 150 part-time positions during the nine-month event season.

Clark credits the sports tourism success to being selective about which tournaments to host rather than going for all the business, even if it’s not a good fit.

“We know who we are and we know what we’re capable of,” she said. “Sometimes, facilities will kind of take on any business they can get because they just want people in their community. But if the participants and their families don’t have a good experience in your community, they don’t want to return. Hosting may start with a facility, but guests’ experiences are a huge part of the equation.”

Gulfport Sportsplex Wayne Miller, chief administrative officer for the City of Gulfport, Mississippi, can’t help but smile when it takes a bit longer to drive around town.

“You can tell if there’s a tournament in town because you’re going to have some traffic,” he said. “Traffic is a good thing to have. Traffic means there’s people in your city spending dollars.”

High Economic Impact Municipality-Owned Youth Sports Venues Publix Sports Park - Panama City Beach, Florida $153 million in the 2023 season Publix Sports Park, a 210-acre youth sports complex, is a premier destination for sports tourism in Panama City Beach. The facility boasts 13 multipurpose fields, including nine with AstroTurf, and two championship fields with seating for up to 1,500 spectators. It features state-of-the-art amenities such as LED lighting, dedicated tournament buildings, and over 1,000 parking spots. `The complex hosts a variety of sports including soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football, baseball, and softball. In 2023, Publix Sports Park generated an impressive economic impact of $153 million, solidifying its position as a major contributor to the local economy. This success led to its recognition as the National Complex of the Year for 2023 by the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA).

Hoover Metropolitan Complex – Hoover, Alabama $90.7 million in the 2023 season The Hoover Met Complex combines a 155,000-square-foot indoor facility, the Finley Center, with 120 acres of outdoor facilities. It features 11 regulation-size basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, five NCAA regulation-size soccer/football/lacrosse fields, five regulation-sized baseball fields, eight regulation-sized softball/little league fields, and 16 tennis courts. This versatile complex has become a premier destination for amateur sports, generating an economic impact of $90.7 million in 2023.

Rocky Top Sports World – Gatlinburg, Tennessee $76.3 million in the 2023 season Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Rocky Top Sports World is an 80-acre stateof-the-art sports campus featuring both indoor and outdoor facilities. With six synthetic turf fields, one natural grass field, and an 86,000-square-foot indoor facility housing six basketball courts convertible to 12 volleyball courts, this venue offers a unique blend of sports and scenic beauty. In 2023, Rocky Top Sports World generated an economic impact of $76.3 million.

Paradise Coast Sports Complex - Naples, Florida $47 million in the 2023 season The Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples is a 180-acre sports tourism engine that continues to expand its offerings. Currently, the complex features eight multi-use fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football, a stadium, and six sand volleyball courts. It also includes unique amenities such as the Great Lawn Amphitheater for community events, an outdoor fitness facility called The Factory, and the Cove beer and wine bar. The complex is in the midst of its Phase III development, with plans to add a ninth field and eleven diamond fields for baseball and softball by 2025. In 2023, the Paradise Coast Sports Complex generated a significant economic impact of $47 million for the region. The facility not only attracts large-scale tournaments but also serves the local community, balancing affordable access for local sports organizations with its role as a nationwide tournament destination.

Image Sources:The Sports Facilities Companies

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 31

As his son’s former travel baseball team coach, Miller is well-versed in the power of sports tourism. He knows the city’s decision to expand and upgrade Gulfport Sportsplex – a project that included installing turf fields – was a true game-changer.

Prior to working at the facility, Singleton pitched the venue and region to rights holders and event planners while working at the Coastal Mississippi Convention and Visitors Bureau. So, he sees the connection between locality and facility as a “marriage.”

All of a sudden, Gulfport and the surrounding Coastal Mississippi region went from a “land mass between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama,” – as Miller puts it – to a destination for top-of-the-line baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments.

While Gulfport’s fields are pristine, planners and participants are seeking experiences. Gulfport sports a water amusement park, white sand beaches, and a relatively new aquarium, which opened in 2020 in part to meet the growing demand of entertaining sports families. There is also Keesler Federal Park, formerly known as MGM Park, a Double-A baseball stadium, in nearby Biloxi that is across the street from the MGM-operated Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

“When we first built the sportsplex, it was one of a kind,” he recalled.

With 15 baseball and softball diamonds and six rectangular fields – for soccer, flag football, etc. – Gulfport Sportsplex is among the premier athletic facilities in the Southeast. Youth tournaments and college championships fill the venue’s calendar nearly every week of the year, drawing visitors from as far as Texas to the community, filling hotel rooms, eating at restaurants, and shopping in local retail stores.

The most recent economic impact study notes the Sportsplex is responsible for 100,000 annual visitors and between $20 million for the local economy. It is also a home base for clinics and camps for local residents.

“Sports tourism is like a gateway to economic development,” Marquez Singleton, general manager of the Gulfport Sportsplex, said, adding he hopes to attract longer tournaments to the venue in coming years.

“The destination really helps sell our complex,” said Singleton Miller agrees. “We don’t want them staying in their hotel rooms.”

Maryland SoccerPlex Located in the outskirts of the Washington, D.C. suburbs, the Maryland SoccerPlex prides itself on being one of The Old Line State’s top sports venues.

vision toward the future, the venue is popular for lacrosse and rugby, and the on-site 66,000-sq-ft Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse hosts indoor sports, including basketball and volleyball.

As a result, Libber is in the midst of rebranding the 24-field facility to better reflect its capability to sports tournament organizers. A former event planner himself, Libber understands the needs of his business partners and has built a network of connections to keep the SoccerPlex busy – but not at the expense of its value to the local community.

More than 6,000 recreational players use the fields – providing elite fields to those players in an era when many grassroots organizations across the county struggle to find adequate fields. The revenue generated from travel sports allows the complex to offer its amenities to residents of Montgomery County and neighboring municipalities. Staff also travel to schools to offer instruction, which introduces newcomers to the SoccerPlex.

“We want those kids to have the same experience as travel sports and play on the best fields,” Libber said of the heavy recreation use.

Despite its name, the complex in Boyds, MD, near Germantown, is hardly a onesport site. In fact, soccer comprises only about 60 percent of its use at this point, noted Maryland SoccerPlex Executive Director Matt Libber.

Marilyn Balcombe, the District 2 Montgomery councilmember who lives in Germantown, enjoys walking and biking on the on-site trails and her daughter played sports there, too. She has seen the complex’s reputation grow nationally, allowing it to attract many top-tier events.

Due to creative planning, marketing, and

“When you think about tournaments, it’s

32 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

our time to shine,” she said. “People who come to tournaments know that it’s going to be as hassle-free as a weekend tournament can be.”

and the Big East Soccer Championships.

Even Libber’s former company Elite Tournaments uses the SoccerPlex for a lacrosse tournament.

Libber said the conservative estimate, based on the model he created while running Elite Tournaments, is a $36 million economic impact. Because many of the hotels are in Bethesda, Rockville, and Gaithersburg, the entire county benefits from incoming tournaments.

Balcombe added: “The SoccerPlex is such a critical aspect of our economy. It is a regional asset.”

Notable events played at the facility include the National Collegiate Rugby Sevens Championship featuring 300 teams

Image Source: Elizabethtown Sports Park

34 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

C Amanda Ellis

Jon Jon Wesolowski

EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON HOW CITIES ARE ADAPTING TO SHIFTING PREFERENCES, DOWNTOWN VACANCIES, AND WALKABILITY DREAMS By Sam Boykin ities face many challenges and opportunities as they contend with a volatile economy and shifting trends in how people live, work, and play. This evolving landscape makes strategic planning critical to a city’s ability to successfully meet the rapidly changing needs of its residents. In exploring what makes a city a “great” place to live, Community Playmaker hosted a discussion with a city planning expert and an economic development expert about best practices and changes they see on the horizon.

Panelists: Jon Jon Wesolowski, a content producer and public speaker known as “The Happy Urbanist” on TikTok and other platforms.

He helps cities and organizations engage their communities to make them more walkable.

Amanda Ellis, editor-in-chief of Livability, a leading online resource for people researching potential communities where they’d like to live, work, and play. The Livability platform publishes annual “Best

Places to Live” lists and a variety of content about how cities enhance the quality of life for residents.

What are the biggest challenges that cities face when it comes to planning?

traffic in our neighborhood, which is what everyone wants. But what the city is going to hear is, ‘Hey, I’m not a cyclist, why are you doing this?’ If people don’t understand how something is in their best interest, they will first experience change as a threat or a loss. They will resist without understanding the overall picture.

Jon Jon Wesolowski: One thing everyone seems to have the power to do is veto things. In my neighborhood, the city is creating a thoroughfare for cyclists. This is being funded privately by two foundations. It’s going to drastically slow down

Amanda Ellis: I agree that naysayers are a big challenge. One of the things we talk about is being a ‘Yes in My Backyard’ person, at least some of the time. It doesn’t mean you can’t ever veto a project. But

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 35

don’t be the person who always says no.

Being able to see perspectives besides your own is really helpful in that way. For example, with housing, it seems everyone who already has a house is against building more. And it’s like, ‘well of course, because you’re all set.’

What are cities missing when it comes to planning for their residents?

Ellis: I think it’s important to think about the things people care about the most.

It’s not just whether a city is attractive or cool, but what are the practical concerns?

Can I find a job? Most people are looking at the whole picture. You’re probably not going to move somewhere just for a job if it doesn’t have quality-of-life pieces, like amenities, fun stuff to do, and future opportunities. All these qualities are important pieces of economic development.

Wesolowski: When it comes to reinvesting in a community, you’re always going to feel growing pains. For example, Cincinnati has been able to grow successfully because they created a city development corporation (CDC) that started buying up much of the property in their downtown that was at risk of being demolished, 20 years ago. The 3CDC owns most of the business fronts in their downtown. When you talk to tenants, they have affordable units. Businesses are given options to rent to own. The good news is there are examples of other cities do-

Image Source: Steve Mattson Zenith City Photography

ing this. The bad news is they all started 20 years ago.

In referring to a practical step that cities could take to reinvest in their communities, Wesolowski said: We need to create rules for small-scale developers. Would you rather have people who don’t understand the neighborhood buying land and building apartments?

How about empowering local people with equity in their houses to split their lot and build something on it?

In terms of empowering the individual over the corporation to invest in communities, what are some examples of cities that are employing best practices in this area?

Ellis: Bend, Oregon, has embraced the accessory dwelling unit idea, and it’s working on other legislation to help encourage people to do that. Their chamber has a resource page that provides information on financing, permitting, and property management for residents.

Wesolowski: Durham, North Carolina, has had two housing movements. The first one in 2019 was called Expanding Housing Choices, and the second one in 2023, titled Simplif ying

36 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Codes for Affordable Development, has increased density through accessory dwelling units. It also allows for smaller lots. They’ve also unlocked the concept of faith-based housing, which provides more housing and loosens zoning laws on properties with church buildings.

How should cities be thinking about their downtowns?

Ellis: You should think of downtowns as your community gathering place, but you have to make it somewhere people want to be, and not because they have to be there for work because a lot of people don’t work in downtown areas anymore.

It has to look and feel attractive. The walkability aspect is also important, especially in smaller to mid-sized cities. A great downtown reflects a city’s personality and identity.

Wesolowski: Our downtowns need more people who live there and not focus so much on business. Business is programmatic. It makes downtown areas only busy during the morning and evening rush, with a dead time in the middle of the day.

In Europe, what makes a place like Barcelona so appealing is that it’s a place where people live their regular lives. In Chattanooga, we’re leaning into our hospitality side, which is good, but the challenge is when it becomes completely about hospitality. You have to have events that bring people downtown, whereas when people live there, it’s lively by design.

What are a few things that cities can do to move towards walkability? Policy changes, building codes, changing street structure?

Wesolowski: I would say part of it is zoning. For a destination to be practically walkable, you’ve got to make it legal for people to build businesses within neighborhoods. To be safe, it takes political will and funding for curb cuts, bike facilities, and protective infrastructure.

What are some strategies for creating a sense of place in communities?

Ellis: I think it’s all about identifying those unique things about your place.

What are the things people already associate with your city? And which of those perceptions do you like, such as accessible outdoor activities that are in proximity to downtown? You have to think through what those things are for you and how to incorporate them into your city’s branding.

a destination that has a sense of place, it’s like the living room of the city, with interesting things to look at, like building ornamentation and displays.

Looking forward, do you anticipate any big changes in how cities approach planning?

going to start demanding options for better public transit. The way we live and move around is going to be quite a bit different.

Image Source: Adobestock

Ellis: There are still a lot of downtowns dealing with vacant office space and trying to figure out what to do with that.

Some places have successfully turned those spaces into housing, but it depends on the space you’re dealing with. It goes back to what we were discussing about more people living in downtown areas. It’s going to be interesting to see how all that shakes out.

Wesolowski: Along with a pro-housing movement, there’s also a groundswell of people wanting different transit options. Right now it’s very political. As Generation Z refuses to get their licenses and becomes a part of the workforce, they’re

Wesolowski: There are three rules for placemaking. The first one is a sense of enclosure. We relax when we feel like there’s no horizon to look out on, like in Italy, with all those narrow neighborhood streets, corridors, and plazas. The second thing is what’s called entrance frequencies. Some areas have lots of different things that serve people at all times of the day.

In Chattanooga, that’s Frasier Avenue. The activity there brings different people together and keeps them active. The third thing is eye-level Image Source: Visit Duluth interest. If you think of

“The way we live and move around is going to be quite a bit different.”

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 37

Community Planning

TEMPE’S TRANSIT TRANSFORMATION

FROM TRAFFIC JAMS TO TRAFFIC GEMS: HOW TEMPE BECAME THE BLUEPRINT FOR URBAN MOBILITY

By Suzanne Wentley

I

n some U.S. cities, getting around is a breeze.

You’re never far from a train that can whisk you away to other parts of the city or bike lanes to safely use pedal power for neighborhood maneuvering. Some cities are just built differently.

This is not another story about transit-friendly cities like New York or Chicago or upcoming stars like Austin, Texas, or Minneapolis, Minnesota. Instead, we bring you the story of a city that has been as intentional as any in its approach to moving people without the use of cars.

Image Sources: City of Tempe

38 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Located just east of Phoenix, the city of Tempe (population 191,336), has one of the most robust transit systems in the Southwest. Along with 13 bus routes on most major streets, there is an extensive neighborhood shuttle service, a light rail train that operates seven days a week, a downtown streetcar, and 42 miles of bicycle lanes designed for low-stress rides to wherever residents want to go.

Thanks to the interconnected system, Tempe boasts the highest ridership per capita in the region. In 2023, they reported more than 6.5 million rides on their system — with even more projected in 2024.

Fares are affordable (and sometimes free), thanks to sales tax initiatives that sustain the popular service.

“It’s about planning for now and for the future. It’s not just solving the congestion problem today, but what do you expect in the future for growth?”

In nearly every neighborhood, people can walk outside their front doors and flag down a shuttle bus that will deliver them to transit stations, community centers, and other popular destinations. In some communities, there is no need for a car at all.

As a result, economic leaders have had increasing success in attracting developers to the region. While the concept of transit-oriented development is gaining traction throughout the U.S., it’s already well-established in Tempe.

“Transit is a major economic driver,” said Sam Stevenson, the city’s transit manager.

“It connects people to jobs and opportunities. We don’t have infinite space for cars in our city. Transit helps mitigate congestion. We know it will still happen, but we want to provide alternatives.”

Early Transportation Support Came From a Sales Tax

operations. The tax never sunsets, and in 2023, the city netted $68 million from the tax, Mr. Stevenson reported.

It wasn’t always this way. Thirty years ago, public transportation was extremely limited in Tempe. Councilwoman Jennifer Adams said the city, home to Arizona State University and now many corporate headquarters like Carvana and GoDaddy, was experiencing a population boom.

Then in 2004, a second countywide proposition passed as an additional funding source. In 2024, voters decide to continue that sunsetting funding source for another 20 years.

“People were sitting in traffic, and you can’t build freeways fast enough to keep up with the demand. We were running out of space and the ability to get around town,” she said. “We did a huge campaign to get everyone on the same page on the importance of this.”

In 1996, Tempe citizens passed a half-cent sales tax to fund transit construction and

Tempe’s Deputy Transportation Director Shelly Seyler said support for transit became even greater as new services came online.

“The residents really understood this was a benefit to them and the community to serve people who may not have the ability to have vehicles,” she said. “They saw what Tempe could be like with a better transit system.”

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 39

Community Planning

Connections Led To Targeted Development

A Focus on Flexibility and Sustainability

Elected officials need to be forward-focused with Tempe’s transit, especially when it comes to approving new development. Councilwoman Adams is quick to point out Culdesac, a new car-free apartment complex built along the light rail line. Residents are restricted from owning automobiles there.

The key to Tempe’s transit success is its holistic focus, recognizing that everyone has different needs and habits. One person may wish to bicycle to the light rail, requiring a space on the train to transport a bike. Another person may have disabilities or limited mobility, requiring a personalized, on-demand service. Ms. Seyler said they’ve been working to integrate technology into the transit system to address these and other diverse requirements. They’re currently adding new technology for a more responsive system for traffic light changes. They’re also welcoming Waymo self-driving cars, which they hope can integrate with the public transit system.

“It’s really cutting edge,” she said. “They worked with all the council members and explained the concept. We have the best transportation in the entire valley. It was an easy sell. We’re trying to get people out of their cars and into public transit.”

Culdesac is an example of transit-oriented development, in which new projects support existing transit infrastructure.

With this urban trend, developers may be required to add dedicated roadway lanes for public transportation, streetscaping, shelters and pull-outs for buses, and even extensions for the city’s streetcar system.

“Transit is for all,” he said. “It’s about making sure we’re

“It’s important to get out ahead of those decisions,” Mr. Stevenson said. “It’s about planning for now and for the future. It’s not just solving the congestion problem today, but what do you expect in the future for growth?”

Indeed, governmental projects take time.

Even as Tempe officials plan five to 10 years out on transit projects, they must remain dynamic. The coronavirus pandemic, for example, changed regular work commutes away from the typical morning and evening rush. When the university is in session, extra service is necessary in specific areas of the city to ensure no one is left behind.

accommodating as many people as we can.”

“It’s important to provide as many options as possible. It’s not just a freeway or an arterial or transit for bikes; it all has to be part of the city,” she said. “Every resident has different travel patterns and needs, so you need to provide a system that is comprehensive to everyone.”

40 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

As part of that effort, the mayor appointed a Transportation Commission of 15 residents. They meet monthly to review projects, propose agenda items, and provide valuable feedback about what works and what needs improvement.

Councilwoman Adams, who is also the vice chairwoman of the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority, said it helps that the average age of Tempe residents is 29.7, a generation that’s less inclined to drive. Younger residents may be more likely to prioritize the environment, too.

“We need to work on saving our planet, and it promotes sustainability practices by getting all those cars off the road,” she said. “We want to get the people who live in Tempe the opportunity to lower their carbon footprint, save fuel, and save money.”

The city’s main transportation hub, located conveniently downtown, is certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). A bicycle repair shop is located inside, and an operations center has cameras to help refine the flow in realtime. Tempe’s center for buses, which all run on alternative fuel, is also LEED certified.

Still, the focus remains on benefiting Tempe residents — especially those who have less access to cars and consider the transit system to be a “lifeline,” Mr. Stevenson said.

“Transit is for all,” he said. “It’s about making sure we’re accommodating as many people as we can.”

Image Sources: City of Tempe JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 41

Buying Power

BRICK-AND-MORTAR STORES PROVE VALUABLE ASSETS TO COMMUNITIES DESPITE THE RISE OF E-COMMERCE.

By Matt Swenson

V

isitors to Williamsburg, Virginia, the historic town dating back to the Colonial era, can walk in the footsteps of the country’s forefathers, shop at the general store and eat at a restored tavern. But only a few minutes away are several fast-food establishments, a lifestyle center, and an outlet mall.

The Truth About Shopping Malls Rumors of the death of the shopping mall are greatly exaggerated, according to Beasley. While some retail centers have closed and notable chains have filed for bankruptcy, brick-and-mortar stores are not disappearing. However, they are evolving

It just goes to show that no matter the century, there has always been a need for community-minded locations to drive local traffic.

“Retail provides a sense of a place that gets people out of their house to come out for shopping and gathering,” said Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies, an advisory firm that destinations employ to help spur business development.

Despite technological advances that allow consumers to shop at a moment’s notice from their device, brick-and-mortar establishments remain invaluable to communities and brands trying to build shopping bases.

Recent research shows that e-commerce accounts for only about 16 percent of total retail sales.

and, in doing so, shaping the future of communities, particularly those with populations under 50,000.

Millennials and younger generations consume information differently than their predecessors. Many don’t recall a world without smartphones, all-encompassing tools in almost all of our lives.

Having constant access to the internet, email, and social media channels has made Millenials and Gen Z particularly valuable customers for tech-savvy brands.

However, research shows that just because these consumers can buy clothes or do their grocery shopping online doesn’t mean they do so.

Recent research shows that e-commerce accounts for only about 16 percent of total retail sales. This strongly suggests that while shoppers use internet searches, social media, and celebrity recommendations to research brands and services, consumers still value tactile experiences that only in-person shopping can bring.

More often than not, consumers want to

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 43

Image Sources: City of Maryville, Missouri

choose their own produce, test the feel of a chair, or see for themselves whether a sweater or shoes fit. As a result, it is incumbent on retail brands to employ an omnichannel approach that entices shoppers with digital campaigns but relies upon the in-store experience.

This pattern presents opportunities for municipalities, many of which depend heavily on retail sales tax collections. But there are challenges as well.

Traditional shopping malls are struggling in mid-sized and smaller communities, in part, because the rent structure is prohibitive to making a profit. Locations with outdoor-facing doors that don’t require walking past the competition and are visible from streets and highways are considered more desirable. The traditional mall structure has become less of a draw for future tenants.

44 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

“The retailer just wants to go where they can be most profitable,” Beasley said.

“The retailer just wants to go where they can be most profitable,” Beasley said.

Image Sources: Adobestock

Brewing Success Vacancies at new construction sites may be noticeable to community members, but they do not tell the whole story. In fact, the number of store openings is outpacing closures, according to Beasley.

Brands are using digital-first strategies, like offering rewards for downloading and using mobile apps for ordering, to drive foot traffic to physical locations. Known as the “halo effect,” a brand’s online sales in the area increase by 6.9 percent when a brick-and-mortar store opens. Conversely, closures of physical stores result in an 11.5 percent decrease in online sales.

With retailers eager to maintain or expand their physical presence, forward-thinking communities can attract nationally known brands. Beasley explained that the presence of one popular location can benefit several others, as well as the host community.

The Third Place Retail is often referred to as a “third place” – meaning it is a place to interact with community members away from the home and office (the first two places). So while the economics have to make sense to open a new restaurant, store, gym, or other business, there is an intangible value that brick-and-mortar shops bring.

Think of the local coffee shop, where consumers may be more apt to set up remote work or off-site meetings. Customers may spend an hour or longer at such an establishment. But a national chain like Starbucks or Chick-fil-A, for example, tends to thrive because of the convenience of their drive-thru windows.

“Retail would rather be in the parking lot of their competition than on the opposite end of town,” she said. “The more retail synergy you have, the more it grows your retail trade area. So people are more likely to come in and shop in your community.”

Beasley points to the example of Maryville, Missouri, a community of 10,633 that worked with her company to enhance their presence among potential retail partners. Despite their size, Retail Strategies helped the city bring Starbucks to the area. The draw, in part, was the presence of Northwest Missouri State University, which expanded the potential profit margin. The school has over 9,000 enrolled students and is responsible for much more traffic.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 45

Success Story Jasper, Alabama, a community of 14,000 worked to resuscitate a dilapidated strip mall, which now features Dunham’s Sports, Five Below, Harbor Freight Tools, and more.

“Dunham’s had been a major target of ours, and we were glad to assist the developer with sales tax incentives to help close the gap on bringing Dunham’s to the old JCPenney’s space,” said Linda Lewis, president of The Walker County Chamber of Commerce. “Dunham’s will help attract other brands to the mall and help put it back on solid footing.”

In a case of success begetting success, Jasper also successfully attracted Aldi, a nofrills global grocer, which opened a location five minutes from the strip mall.

All told, these developments generated an estimated sales tax revenue of $2.2 million annually, significantly bolstering the city’s budget and creating approximately 300 jobs.

Soon after Starbucks came to fruition, Maryville scored another major victory by luring Marshall’s, which filled the vacancy left by a JCPenney, providing the community access to popular brand clothing at affordable prices.

“They have new tax revenue and new quality of life,” Beasley said of Maryville.

Heart of it All Communities looking to spur growth must start with doing their research, Beasley advised. Key information points include knowing the demographics of your city and the surrounding area and understanding who your communities’ store owners are. That way, local officials can identify promising locations to fill vacancies and drive business.

Armed with key data points, civic leaders can tell their story to thriving brands – like Ulta, TJ Maxx, and Five Below – to convince them to open a brick-and-mortar store.

Referring back to Williamsburg, Beasley stressed the value that vibrant shops add to destinations. “Since the beginning of developing communities, retail has been at the heart of it all.”

Image Sources: Adobestock

46 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 47

Community Operations

PARTNERS POWERING CITY SERVICES FOUR COMPANIES THAT WORK WITH COMMUNITIES TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND CAPTURE OPPORTUNITIES

By Cameron Connelly

I

n an era where civic needs continue to grow while budgets continue to shrink, innovative partnerships between private companies and local governments are changing the landscape of public services. These collaborations are breathing new life into communities, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the quality of life for residents across the nation. Let’s explore a small selection of trailblazing companies redefining the relationship between the public and private sectors.

Image Sources: Price Brothers

IXP Corporation: Enhancing Public Safety Imagine a 911 call center where every second counts and every decision can mean the difference between life and death. Now, picture that same center running with the precision of a Swiss watch, powered by cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly trained professionals. This is the reality IXP Corporation is creating in communities across America.

managed services for public safety agencies, governments, campuses, and private industries. Their comprehensive approach includes professional services for business continuity planning, emergency management, and public safety technology, as well as long-term managed services for 911/311 emergency communications and behavioral health solutions.

For over two decades, IXP has been at the forefront of public safety innovation, pioneering public-private partnerships that are transforming emergency communications.

What differentiates IXP from competitors and other consultants, according to President and COO Larry Consalvos, is that “we’ll do the consulting, we’ll build the solution, and then we’ll execute and deliver that solution. So, it truly is a public-private partnership.”

In smaller communities, IXP often consolidates emergency communication services across multiple communities to streamline operations and significantly improve response times without increasing costs or negatively affecting the life-work balance of 911 operators.

IXP Corporation provides emergency communications consulting, technology, and

48 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

Consalvos explained that when IXP works with a community, “we look at how we can craft a solution for the client that does two things: one, meets all the performance metrics, and two, allows us to have a sustainable workforce that is not going to turn over.”

Library Systems & Services (LS&S): Modernizing Library Services In an age of digital disruption, one might assume that public libraries are becoming relics of the past. However, LS&S is proving that libraries can not only survive but thrive as vibrant community hubs. With a track record of revitalizing libraries in over 80 communities, LS&S is writing a new chapter in the story of public libraries, one where innovation meets tradition and cost-efficiency goes hand in hand with expanded services.

LS&S offers a complete suite of managed services aimed at elevating service excellence, operational effectiveness, and innovation.

Their approach involves partnering with community leaders to strategize, develop, and deliver excellent library services aligned with community goals. LS&S then manages day-to-day library operations, focusing on resource and service optimization.

The company’s services encompass various aspects of library management, including IT solutions, collection management, and operational efficiencies. Their IT professionals craft scalable and user-friendly solutions, while their Collection Management Team leverages a proprietary analytics platform to provide cost savings and improved collection performance.

LS&S’s oldest and biggest client, the Riverside County Library System (RCLS) in California, exemplifies LS&S’s transformative impact. “[Riverside County Library System] was looking for expertise around libraries.

How to enhance the quality but then also grow the system. That’s what is most interesting about Riverside. Over the time we have been working with them, it hasn’t stayed static. A bunch of new branches were built, expansion into service areas that didn’t exist before, we’ve also renovated a whole bunch of the buildings. It’s a really strong partnership,” says LS&S Chief Marketing Officer Maureen DeLong.

Since partnering with LS&S in 1997, RCLS has experienced exponential growth, adding 12 new library branches and implementing cutting-edge technologies. Despite rapid county growth and economic challenges, the partnership has ensured stable library funding, consistent service hours, and continuous innovation. This collaboration has turned RCLS into a model of library excellence, showcasing how strategic management can significantly benefit both the community and local government.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 49

HCommunity Operations

Retail Strategies: Driving Economic Development Every town dreams of a bustling Main Street filled with thriving businesses and happy shoppers. Retail Strategies puts best practices and action behind those visions. As retail recruitment experts, they’re not just filling empty storefronts; they’re also filling communities. President of Retail Strategies, Lacy Beasley, points out that, “communities really have to think about not only building the physical infrastructure, but also the human infrastructure, and you do that through capacity building. And retail is a critical component of that.”

Retail Strategies specializes in helping communities prioritize and execute effective retail recruitment strategies. They understand that with limited resources, economic development teams must use their time most effectively when approaching targeted retailers. The company’s approach involves comprehensive market analysis, retailer matching, and strategic outreach to attract the right businesses to a community.

Their services include market analysis, retail recruitment, and ongoing support for economic development teams. Retail Strategies uses advanced data analytics to identify gaps

Image Sources: Rocky Top Sports World

50 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

in the local retail landscape and target retailers that are most likely to succeed in a given area. They also provide training and support to local officials to enhance their retail recruitment efforts.

Retail Strategies’ collaboration with Maryville, Missouri, is a prime example of their impact on local economic development. In October 2019, the city partnered with Retail Strategies to boost its retail recruitment efforts. This partnership quickly bore fruit, attracting a new standalone, corporate-owned Starbucks to the community.

The coffee giant chose a prime location on South Main Street, repurposing a former U.S. Bank site.

This high-profile addition to Maryville’s retail landscape not only filled a gap in the local market but also signaled the city’s growing appeal to national brands. The Starbucks development showcases Retail Strategies’ ability to leverage their connections and expertise to bring sought-after retailers to smaller markets, enhancing the community’s commercial offerings and potentially catalyzing further economic growth in the area.

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC): Building Community Through Sports For two decades, SFC has been the driving force behind some of the most innovative sports and recreation facilities in the country. These aren’t just places to play; they’re economic engines, community gathering spots, and catalysts for healthier, more vibrant cities.

SFC specializes in the planning, development, and management of sports and recreation complexes. Their services include feasibility studies, facility design consultation, construction management, and ongoing operational support. SFC’s approach focuses on creating sustainable facilities that not only provide recreational opportunities but also drive economic growth through sports tourism and community engagement. By ensuring that each facility operates efficiently and effectively, SFC enhances the overall experience for athletes, families, and visitors alike.

A key component of SFC’s success is its extensive SF Network, which comprises the largest portfolio of managed youth and amateur sports destinations in the United States.

This network allows SFC to share best prac-

tices and resources across facilities, maximizing their ability to attract major events and tournaments. By leveraging its industry expertise and connections, SFC helps communities capitalize on sports tourism as a significant revenue stream while promoting local health initiatives that support a high quality of life.

For success stories, look no further than Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This facility has become a cornerstone of the local economy by hosting numerous sports tournaments that draw visitors from across the country. In 2022-23 alone, Rocky Top generated an economic impact of $76.3 million for the region.

For SFC, the approach to driving eye-popping economic impact is rooted in partnership. They seek a deep understanding of a community’s goals for their venue and make them their own. They then put the people, processes, and support in place to achieve operational success. In doing so, SFC strives to integrate itself into the communities it serves and be an extension of its teams.

These companies represent a new wave of public-private partnerships reshaping local government operations and community services.

Their innovative approaches are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for more resilient, vibrant, and equitable communities in the future.

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 51

HOW FAIRGROUNDS EVOLVED INTO PRIME REDEVELOPMENT HUBS

By Michael LoRé

N

ew England patriot and farmer Elkanah Watson earned the title “Father of U.S. agricultural fairs” by organizing the Berkshire Agricultural Society and creating an event then known as a Cattle Show in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in September 1811. Not merely a market nor just an exhibition of animals, the event featured a competition with prize money for the best exhibits of oxen, cattle, swine, and sheep.

Fairs, which evidence suggests can be traced back as early as 500 BC, became a bastion of Americana throughout the budding nation’s growth. Serving as a central location for agriculture, farming, trade, and more, by the end of the 19th century, almost every U.S. state had one or more agricultural fairs or exhibitions.

But as times and technology evolved, so have the importance of fairs and the vast properties they are held on. While many county and state fairs still exist today, a number of communities are relying on fairgrounds to serve a new purpose.

Fairgrounds Finding New Role as Modern-Day Solutions The Brockton Fair began in 1874 as an agricultural festival where farmers displayed their finest livestock inside large buildings, while draft and show horses showcased their strength and skills to fairgoers outside.

After being purchased by local businessman George Carney in 1957, the fair was marred by horse races featuring “worn-out thoroughbreds

and third-rate jockeys” and incidents of violence in 2002, 2009, and 2017 before shuttering for good in 2019.

After unsuccessfully attempting to bring a casino to the 66acre fairgrounds property in 2015, and after a deal to sell it to the City of Brockton fell through in 2023, the Carneys hope the third time’s the charm.

Today, the old Brockton Fairgrounds could see new life as a multi-use hub of housing, commercial and light industrial uses that not only reinforces the land’s importance, but, more importantly, uplifts the struggling Massachusetts city located 40 minutes south of Boston.

“There’s a very good possibility here this could be a real Renaissance development for the city,” said City Councilor Phil Griffin, who co-sponsored the zoning proposal that would undergird the redevelopment project. “It’s desperately needed because we’re an old mill city and we’re still trying to get our footing back once the shoe industry left here. It never really quite recovered and we’re still trying to find our way to make it a modern city.

“This project, if executed properly—and it will be executed properly— has the possibility to really spur development in Brockton.”

A mixed-use development with apartments, townhouses, commercial and industrial buildings, and a park, the project led by Boston-based developer Andrew Flynn is estimated to cost between $600 million and $1 billion.

With a median household income of approximately $68,000 as of 2021—well below

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 53

Image Source: The Great New York State Fair

the state average of nearly $90,000—the redevelopment project is being viewed as an opportunity to buoy Brockton. Griffin, who previously spent seven years as chairman of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, estimates it could produce $12-14 million in sustainable commercial tax revenue for the city annually, with the number increasing three times that if it’s extrapolated conservatively down Belmont Street.

Currently in the “crawling stage,” stakeholders still need to negotiate the overlay district, which would alter the specifics on what and how much of each amenity is built on the land. Flynn, a principal at Copper Mill development, gave a presentation in early September showing what could be built

under the zoning change they’re looking for, which would include 1,200 housing units, though it’s all subject to change as the project continues along the path of further approvals.

Regardless of the specifics, Griffin remains bullish that the fairground redevelopment could increase revenue, and thus funding in the city coffers to aid future projects, including a new high school that the City of Brockton would be responsible for footing approximately $100-200 million of the $1 billion cost.

“I think it’s going to work out fine in the long term,” said Griffin, who hopes groundbreaking for the project starts in 2025. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what it’s going to do for the city.”

Brockton isn’t the only community look-

54 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • JANUARY 2025

ing to leverage the prime real estate of old fairgrounds into redevelopment projects.

More than 66 acres of old fairgrounds in Savannah, Georgia, will be converted into one of the most sweeping affordable housing developments in city history with up to 400 income-based affordable units.

Housing costs outpaced income for the past 30 years, according to local non-profit Housing Savannah. A survey done by a local task force found that 40 percent of Savannah households could not afford housing. To help address this issue, the city adopted a 10-year Housing Savannah Action Plan that launched in 2022.

In approximately six months, the city secured a project development agreement and made all the necessary rezoning for the site, which will contain a mix of affordable housing, recreation, and mixed-

use development. Groundbreaking for the project’s first of five phases—30 single-family homes and 20 townhomes– took place in late October.

Florida, the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair has an estimated economic impact on Duval County in excess of $10 million. The impact to the City of Jacksonville through lease revenues and parking revenue during the 12 days of the fair is annually in excess of $195,000.

While some communities are finding modern-day uses for old fairgrounds, others are reinvesting in these prized parcels of Americana.

Fair is moving to a city-owned, 82-acre site next to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center as part of a $17 million project that includes a new 77,500-square-foot expo hall, office, and amphitheater stage.

The fair’s current location, a 14-acre site northwest of EverBank Stadium, will close its sale to Iguana Investments Florida LLC, initially agreed upon in April 2022, when the new facility is completed next year. Iguana Investments Florida LLC is owned by Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan.

The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural

As the largest fair/festival in northeast

In August 2022, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of the fourth phase of improvements at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse via a $34.7 million project to improve ag-

Fairgrounds Become Bigger, Better Tourism Draws

While the Jacksonville Fair is getting an updated home, the Great New York State Fair is set to finish up a series of modernization improvements to its grounds and facilities.

Fort Bend, Texas

Officials in Fort Bend County, Texas, looked at their fairgrounds to reimagine the needs of today’s citizens, opening the Fort Bend Epicenter in August 2023.

The 230,000-square-foot multipurpose facility located in the county’s geographic center will serve as a one-stop shop for the local and regional community. The $100 million Fort Bend Epicenter boasts a 17,000-square-foot multipurpose area and an outdoor open-air pavilion for livestock and other special events. The venue also features five versatile and unique event spaces, six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, and seating for over 10,000 guests.

Image Sources: Fort Bend Epicenter

JANUARY 2025 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 55

Image Sources: The Great New York State Fair

Memphis, Tennesse

The Mid-South Fair’s departure from Memphis in 2008 left a void in the city’s Midtown area until 2021 when the Tennessee State Funding Board approved a Tourism Development Zone Bond to pave the way for new development.

In 2022, the Memphis Sports and Events Center, a 227,000-square-foot indoor sports venue with 16 basketball courts, an Esports gaming lounge, and a ninja course, was opened. The new multisport venue serves as the anchor for the area’s rebirth, Liberty Park. The mixed-use development project, which sits on the former Mid-South Fairgrounds property, will feature 200 apartments, 12,000 square feet of retail space, an entertainment venue, and a hotel.

ricultural facilities. The project, expected to be completed in 2025, is highlighted by a 1.5-acre greenhouse, sheep and wool center, horse barn, and improvements to restaurant row.

Welcoming 868,745 visitors over the 13day event in 2024—down from 932,699 the prior year—the Great New York State Fair continues to serve as a cornerstone of CNY Rising, a regional plan to generate robust economic growth and community development in Central New York.a

The Great New York State Fair, which began in 1841, is viewed as a viable asset in support of local businesses by bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region each year; the late-summer fair welcomed a record 1.3 million people in 2019. Agriculture itself is a $3.1 billion industry in the region, while Central New York is also becoming a global hub for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry.

“These upgrades will allow The Fair to continue to showcase all that

New York has to offer while providing fairgoers with an outstanding experience,” said Sean Farnsworth, associate director of Public Information at The Great New York State Fair. “Investments in modernized infrastructure will also create additional opportunities to host large-scale events, competitions, and more throughout the year which continues to provide a significant boost to the Central New York economy through tourism.”

perkinswill.com/sports-rec sportsandrecreation@perkinswill.com

Coming Soon

2025 community of the year

Has your city launched an innovative program or initiative? We want to hear about it! Nominate your city for Community of the Year 2025.

UPCOMING PLAYMAKER EVENTS

PLAYMAKER EVENTS

Ready to learn? Attending Community Playmaker webinars and events is a great way to connect with our community of leaders (aka Playmakers) and discover best practices from inspiring cities around the country.

Stay informed by visiting our events website:

communityplaymaker.com/events

Expanding

SKYWARD

Image Source: The Sports Facilities Companies

The city of Bedford Park, Illinois, and WNBA’s Chicago Sky recently broke ground on the expansion of the Wintrust Sports Complex. The new expansion is part of a $38 million investment that will include a state-of-the-art practice facility for the Sky. A mixed-use development project is taking form around the new construction and will include a new hotel, retail amenities, and a fast-food restaurant. Overall, the project is part of an intentional effort by city leadership to transform Bedford Park into a premier sports and recreation destination.

SUBSCRIBE