A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO
ERIC D. HART, CVE PRESIDENT/CEO I am pleased to present the recommended Operating and Capital Budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Staff developed this budget in consultation with the Hillsborough County finance staff and the Authority’s Finance Committee. This budget reflects the emphasis on continued revenue growth, increasing local hotel room occupancy and continued long-term maintenance of the Complex. In this fiscal year, the SportsPlex hosted major events, such as the Flag Football World Championship, Tropical 7’s Rugby, Florida Premier Tampa Cup, and co-promoted the hugely successful Monster Mash soccer tournament. These events contributed greatly to the SportsPlex generating over 100,000 room nights this year. This budget identifies an operating deficit which was anticipated during the planning and development stages of the SportsPlex. The economic impact provided by the Complex’s events to the local tourism economy is much broader than the operational subsidy recognized at the Complex. The Authority will continue to optimize the economic value of the Complex through the continued enhancement of the facilities and strategic scheduling of events that produce the overall greatest economic impact to the community. The SportsPlex was developed with tourism as the primary scheduling driver. Management will continue to focus on maintaining premier playing surfaces and professionally maintained facilities. Our commitment to creating an ideal environment for sports tournaments continues to create greater demand for geographically far-reaching events, further increasing the impact of sports tourism in the region. As initiatives within the Authority’s strategic plan, staff continue to place significant emphasis on customer service, revenue generation and venue capital improvements. This will continue to allow us to quickly adapt to the current challenges within the operating environment, similar to sports venues operated by the private sector. In working with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, we continue to identify additional sporting events to further increase tourism revenues in the coming year. Respectfully,
MISSION STATEMENT
To plan, develop, promote and maintain a comprehensive complex of sports and recreation facilities for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Tampa and Hillsborough County.
OUR ROLE
VISION STATEMENT
To stimulate economic vitality and improve the quality of life in Tampa Bay through compelling sports and entertainment offerings held at world-class venues.
Providing Sports and Entertainment to Tampa Bay.
ABOUT
THE AUTHORITY
The Tampa Sports Authority, a government entity, is an Independent Special District created by the Florida Legislature in 1965 to construct and manage sports and recreational facilities in Hillsborough County. The Authority’s role is to stimulate economic vitality and improve the quality of life in Tampa Bay through compelling sports and entertainment offerings held at world-class venues. The Authority has no taxing power, but rather acts as an enterprise fund utilizing user-fees to subsidize its operating costs.
As a result, all of its major capital construction projects from the original Tampa Stadium, golf courses, Benchmark International Arena, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex, and Raymond James Stadium have been accomplished by working closely with the approvals and financial support of Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa. The Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex is a partnership between Hillsborough County, the Tampa Sports Authority, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Hillsborough County constructed and owns the facility, which is managed by the Tampa Sports Authority and marketed by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Construction was funded by the County, with additional funding through the Tourist Development Tax and support from the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council. The Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex continues to attract events in the booming youth and amateur sports markets and top adult and senior athletic competitions. During the current fiscal year, the SportsPlex generated over 100,000 room nights, which far exceeds any initial estimates.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS ADMINISTRATIVE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5-6
STRATEGIC PLAN
EVENTS
7
YEAR IN REVIEW
8
UPCOMING EVENTS
9
HOTEL IMPACT
10
BUDGET REQUESTS AND ASSUMPTIONS CONTRIBUTION REQUESTS
11-12
BUDGET NOTES
13
OPERATIONS REVENUE & EXPENSES
14
CAPITAL PROJECTS
CAPITAL PROJECTS - FY 2026
15
PROJECTED CAPITAL PROJECTS - FY 2027-2028
16
FIELDHOUSE ON FOWLER
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ORGANIZATIONAL
CHART
BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT/CEO ERIC HART STEPHEN REED VP OF SPORTSPLEX OPERATIONS
FAC I L I T I E S/GRO U ND S MA NAGE R ST E V E H U NT E R
DIR ECTOR OF S POR TS PLEX JAS ON HOVE
FAC I L I T I E S/GRO U ND S A SST . MA NAGE R
EVEN T S C O O R D I N AT O R O L I VI A AVE R Y
DAKOTA S M OT H E R G I L L
STEVE HUNTER FACILITIES/GROUNDS MANAGER
GRO U ND S MA I NT E NA NC E
E VE N T O P E R AT I O N S
F O O D & B E VE R AG E FAC I L I T I E S MA I NT E NA NCE
CAPITAL PR OJ E CT S
JEFFREY W. GIBSON GENERAL COUNSEL
JASON HOVE DIRECTOR OF SPORTSPLEX
VIC E P R ESIDENT OF SP OR T SP L EX OP ER AT IONS ST EP H EN R EED
DAKOTA SMOTHERGILL FACILITIES/GROUNDS ASST. MANAGER
G U E S T S ER VI C E S PA R K I N G
TAMPA SPORTS AUTHORITY: EXECUTIVE TEAM (BACK L-R) STEPHEN REED (VP OF SPORTSPLEX OPERATIONS), BOBBY SILVEST (VP OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS), DAVID MOSS (VP OF STADIUM OPERATIONS), (FRONT L-R) JIM GARRISON (VP OF GOLF OPERATIONS), ERIC HART (PRESIDENT/CEO), DAVID BYRNE (VP OF FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION)
KRISTEN GRAY ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
4
TAMPA SPORTS
BOARD OF PATRICK MANTEIGA
JOHN JAEB
ANDY JOE SCAGLIONE
CHAIR
VICE CHAIRMAN
SECRETARY/TREASURER
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2029
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2027
HONORABLE
TONY MUNIZ
LUCIANO PRIDA, JR.
COUNTY COMISSIONER
BOCC APPOINTEE
CITY APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 11/2026
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2027
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
BOCC APPOINTEE
KEN HAGAN
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CITY APPOINTEE
BOCC APPOINTEE
AUTHORITY
DIRECTORS HONORABLE
JENNIFER COLLINS
BOCC APPOINTEE
CITY COUNCILMAN
GOVERNOR’S APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2029
TERM EXPIRES: 5/2027
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2030
JOSEPH W. J. ROBINSON P.E.
MARK S. WOODARD
ERIC D. HART, CVE
CITY APPOINTEE
CITY APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2027
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2027
C. DENNIS CARLTON, JR.
ALAN CLENDENIN
PRESIDENT/CEO CONTRACT TERM: 9/2029
6
STRATEGIC
PLAN
As part of the Authority’s long range planning efforts, the strategic plan identifies strategic objectives that will drive planning for the Authority over our diverse inventory of current and possible future business lines. The Authority leadership updated the strategic plan based on input from the TSA Board and other stakeholders. This strategic plan is used as the main guiding document for the staff in managing the Authority’s business lines and help the Board and TSA leadership align behind long range strategic priorities.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Reduce reliance on County and City operating subsidies. • Facilitate great customer experiKey Performance Indicators: • Actionable strategic initiatives and key performance meaences sures (KPIs) • Make TSA a great • Staff uses a quarterly “scorecard” to summarize performance toward achieved KPIs for each business line. place to work • Maintain pubTSA KPI SCORECARD lic assets while safeguarding our customers • Capitalize on sports and entertainment opportunities while fostering regional economic prosperity 7
YEAR
IN REVIEW
2025 MONSTER MASH
The 2025 Monster Mash is a co-promoted soccer tournament between the Tampa Sports Authority and The Florida Soccer School. Monster Mash was held October 17-19, 2025. In its 5th year, Monster Mash hosted 230 teams from around the State of Florida. The attendance was approximately 6,000 people per day for the three-day event.
2026 FLAG FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP For the 5th straight year, the Flag Football World Championship was held at the SportsPlex on January 14-18, 2026. The tournament consists of 1,300 youth to adult teams from throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally, that participated on 52 fields that were created on our 15 fields. Approximately 12,000 people per day attended this event.
2026 ADIDAS CUP The Adidas Cup is a soccer tournament that was held February 28 – March 1, 2026. The Adidas Cup hosts 300 soccer teams from around the United States. The tournament is a showcase for the top U13-U19 teams. Attendance at the event was approximately 5,000 people per day.
2026 TROPICAL 7’S RUGBY The SportsPlex once again hosted the Tropical 7’s Rugby Tournament over Easter weekend, April 3-4, 2026. The Tropical 7’s Rugby Tournament is an exciting annual rugby event that brings youth teams from around the world together for competition in Olympic-format rugby 7’s. Tropical 7’s hosted 240 teams and event attendance was estimated at 7,500 people per day.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
2026 TAMPA BAY SUPER CUP WEEKENDS The 2026 Tampa Cup will be held on the weekends of October 23-25, October 30-November 1, and November 13-15, 2026. The Tampa Bay Super Cup is in its third year at the SportPlex after a successful second year. It is one of the largest soccer tournaments in Florida. The estimated attendance is 7,000 people per day over the three event weekends.
2026 SUPER Y LEAGUE FINALS We will be hosting the Super Y League Finals December 1015, 2026, for the seventh year in a row. The Super Y League Finals is a youth soccer tournament hosting teams from all over the United States and Canada. The estimated attendance is expected to be 9,000 per day over the five days.
2027 NATIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS After a successful 2026 tournament the Flag Football World Championships will be calling Tampa home January 13-17, 2027, for a fifth year. Teams from across the world will compete, with an estimated attendance of 12,000 per day for the five-day event.
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SPORTSPLEX
HOTEL IMPACT Total Events
2023 2024 2025 2026 (through March) Total
Total Events
33 31 17 5 86
Total Room Nights 2023 74,606 2024 88,836 2025 100,740 2026 (through March) 66,923 Total 331,105
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2023
2024
2025
2026 (through March)
Total Room Nights 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 2023
2024
2025
2026 (through March)
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CONTRIBUTION REQUESTS
FY 2027’s anticipated operating and maintenance expenses outlined in this document require the Authority to request a contribution of $657,839. This contribution is to fund operations, the Authority has also identified $1,071,400 of Capital Projects for FY 2027. The Authority has an existing Interlocal Agreement with the County which states the County shall be responsible for any operating shortfalls realized by the SportsPlex. The SportsPlex does have funds on account, which was funded by a $500,000 working capital advance as outlined in the interlocal. The operating subsidy for FY 2027 referenced above, has been reduced by the operating budget surplus of $24,497 realized in FY 2025. A surplus is also forecasted to be generated in FY 2026, which would be applied to reduce the FY 2028 requested operating contribution.
REVENUES WERE DEVELOPED FROM THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS: 1) Total Operating Revenues for FY 2027 are budgeted at $1,380,530. This is $67,295 less than FY26 Budget. This is primarily related to the loss of two events, however we are making great progress on several events to make up for impact of these lost events. 2) For FY 2027 we are looking to continue our existing relationship with all our current sponsors. This gives us an estimated revenue of $40,000. As we move into FY 2027 we are currently in discussions with some potential sponsors and we will continue to look for additional sponsors to increase the sponsorship revenue. 3) Concession Revenues for FY 2027 are budgeted at $313,750. This is $3,250 more than FY26 budget. This increase, despite a loss of events, is primarily due to an additional beverage location being added and stronger than anticipated beverage sales. 4) The FY 2025 surplus of $24,497, will be applied to offset the FY 2027 Operating Subsidy in accordance with the Interlocal agreement between TSA and Hillsborough County.
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CONTRIBUTION REQUESTS EXPENSES WERE DEVELOPED FROM THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS:
1) Total Expenses for FY 2027 are forecasted at $2,062,866, this is $46,151 less than FY 2026 Budget. 2) Contracted Temporary Labor expenses for FY 2027 is less than FY 2026 estimate as we have reduced labor staffing due to the addition of a full-time maintenance staff member. 3) Maintenance and Supplies Field/Landscaping expense for FY 2026 is forecasted to be $74,879 less than FY 2026 budgeted expenses, due to the reduced need for sprigs, resod and top dress all fields. FY 2027 Field/Landscaping expenses are budgeted to be in line with the FY 2026 budget, however we are hopeful field conditions will allow us to reduce some field maintenance applications like we did in FY 2026. 4) Budgeted full-time salary figures include a 3.20% COLA increase, and an additional (0-2%) merit increase for eligible employees. 5) Health insurance was increased 5% to cover or offset potential County rate increases and employee plan changes. 6) No meaningful changes in overall (non-health) insurance costs, as insurance costs for the facilities were in line with what was originally budgeted, as we had a very successful insurance renewal. 7) For FY 2027 we have incorporated the 7.14% scheduled increase to the Florida minimum wage within our proposed part-time labor budget.
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BUDGET NOTES
1) Accrual Accounting: The Authority’s SportsPlex budget is presented on an accrual basis. Monthly financial statements along with budget documents are presented on a full accrual basis of accounting. 2) Total Hillsborough Contribution: Contribution amount is a sum of present year operational profits/ (losses) and capital investments funded from the County through the Authority. 3) “Due To” Amounts: No “Due To” amounts are present between the SportsPlex, Golf Courses and Raymond James Stadium. “Due To’s” between these entities are present throughout the year but are reconciled quarterly and zero balanced at fiscal year-end. 4) Capital Outlay: The tangible personal property used by the SportsPlex is reported as capital assets in the statement of financial position as part of the basic financial statements of the County. Upon acquisition, such assets are recorded as capital outlays in the SportsPlex’s financial statements and are capitalized at cost in the capital asset accounts of the County. 5) Salaries: Wages include full-time, part-time, over-time estimates, and corresponding benefits such as social security, retirement and health insurance. 6) Income Tax: The Authority is a governmental agency and therefore exempt from Federal and State income taxes under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Florida Income Tax Code, respectively. There are no provisions for income taxes in the budget.
13
SPORTSPLEX OPERATIONS
REVENUE & EXPENSES
Tournament Sports Complex- Budget
Operating Revenues Total Football Revenues Total Soccer Revenues Total Field Hockey Revenues Total Ultimate Frisbee Revenues Total Cricket Revenues Total Lacrosse Revenues Total Miscellaneous Revenues Total Food and Beverage Revenues Total Operating Revenues
FY-2026 Budget
FY-2026 Forecast
FY-2027 Proposed Budget
FY-2028 Planning Budget
$245,375 $708,150 $0 $0 $0 $79,800 $104,000 $310,500 $1,447,825
$232,236 $666,147 $0 $0 $0 $72,525 $100,452 $357,092 $1,428,452
$206,850 $679,975 $0 $0 $0 $79,375 $100,580 $313,750 $1,380,530
$215,550 $702,025 $0 $0 $0 $81,513 $105,609 $345,125 $1,449,822
Operating Expenses Total Cost of Food and Beverage Total Field Maintenance Total General Administration Total Operating Expenses
$79,025 $1,105,963 $924,028 $2,109,016
$76,033 $960,984 $931,726 $1,968,743
$74,750 $1,117,213 $870,903 $2,062,866
$82,225 $1,173,073 $914,448 $2,169,746
Operating Gain (Loss)
-$661,191
-$540,291
-$682,336
-$719,925
Prior Budget Surplus Application* Gain (Loss) reduced by Prior Surplus
$17,693 -$643,498
$17,693 -$522,598
$24,497 -$657,839
$120,900 -$599,025
Funded/Requested Operating Contributions
$643,498
$643,498
$657,839
$599,025
$0
$120,900
$0
$0
Gain (Loss) After Contributions Capital Funded/Requested
None
None
$1,071,400
$326,400
*$17,693 equals thethe FY2024 budget surplus, $24,497 represents thethe FY2025 budget surplus, $120,900 represents thethe forecasted FY2026 *$17,693 equals FY2024 budget surplus, $24,497 represents FY2025 budget surplus, $120,900 represents forecasted FY2026 budget surplus budget surplus.
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CAPITAL
PROJECTS FY 2026 FRONT END LOADER The front-end loader is efficient for material handling and transportation. The front-end loader will assist in the load-in and out of events along with expediting field work by allowing the staff to easily utilize the heavy equipment necessary for field work.
FRAISE MOWER Fraise mowers are used to fraise mow, flail mow, level, de-thatch, and renovate turf areas, as well as harvest sprigs. These products are ideal for use in leveling the SportsPlex playing surfaces.
TURF TANK Truf Tank is an automated field lining machine that can paint up to 120 + field layouts and provides us with a sustainable way for field painting. It aids in reducing the expense of field painting, by reducing the labor hours required to mark and line fields along with reducing the amount of paint utilized.
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PROJECTED CAPITAL
PROJECTS FY 2027-2028 FY-2028 Capital Planning
FY-2027 Capital Proposed Equipment
Equipment Irrigation Pump Dump Trailer Tractor Tires Tilt Cart
55,000 7,500 4,000 1,500
Computers/Server Updates Printer Update
12,000
68,000
Food Court/Meeting Room
Food Court/Meeting Room Air Handler Unit
30,000 -
-
30,000
Concession Building and Maintenance Building
Concession Building and Maintenance Building Air Handler Unit
50,000 -
Bradley Unit
Site Improvements
Site Improvements 75,000 10,000 3,500 75,000 60,000 5,000
VMB's Auxillary Parking Improvements Overflow Parking Pavement
Field Seperation Netting Soccer Nets Lacrosse Nets
7,500 80,000 90,000 420,000
Hawk Signs Pedestrian Safety
Total Requested Funding
97,400 1,071,400
250,000
257,500
826,000 Contingency
3,500 2,500 1,500
Parking Improvements
Parking Improvements Arrow Board
2,500 2,500
50,000
Lift Station (Storage) Sprinkler Head Improvements Carport Concrete Pad Power Concrete Pad and Walkway Trench Field Protection
10,000 2,000
Contingency
54,400 326,400
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FIELDHOUSE ON
FOWLER
Tampa Sports Authority and Hillsborough County are working on developing a new fieldhouse at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), the “Fieldhouse on Fowler”. The new fieldhouse focuses on the design and construction of a multi-purpose indoor sports and event venue specifically designed to increase sports tourism. O’SPORTS has been selected to design the venue and Suffolk Construction is currently negotiating with the TSA as the Construction Manager at Risk on this $70 million project. This venue will serve as a central hub for sports tourism, educational programs, and special events, offering 140,000 sq. ft. of adaptable spaces which includes up to 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, or other indoor activities such as soccer, gymnastics, wrestling, and pickleball. Fieldhouse amenities will include a sports bar, café, coffee bar, and a large courtyard for foodtrucks and outdoor vending. This transformational project is the anchor for a new 74-acre mixed use development, located immediately adjacent to the University of South Florida campus.
17