3 minute read

Valley council approves contract for sporting event recruitment

from 2023 July Current

from 2023 July Current, page 12

for Profit =

By John McCallum Current correspondent

The Spokane Valley City Council took steps to bring more regional and national sporting events to the city — events that could add more revenue in hotel stay dollars and supporting services.

At its June 20 meeting, the council unanimously approved a $300,000 contract with Spokane Sports for sports recruitment and marketing for 2023. The contract is funded by money the city collects for its Tourism Promotion Area Fund, which according to a staff report, has “adequate anticipated revenues to cover the contract.”

City of Spokane Valley Economic Development Director Mike Basinger said that if approved, the city would develop a contract and scope of work with Spokane Sports. The scope would specifically address:

• Sending leads to Spokane Valley hotels,

• Facility development consultation, potentially on a permanent cross country competition site,

• Identify and negotiate future sports events in Spokane

Valley, including scouting and travel,

• Establishing and supporting grants programs to support youth sports in Spokane Valley,

• Develop and position branding of Spokane Valley as a host city and,

• Onsite planning and services to market events in the city.

Spokane Sports provided a similar work scope in presentations May 18 to the Spokane Valley Hotel Commission, who recommended the proposal to the council, and June 6 to the council itself, breaking down the dollar value of each effort. Spokane Sports would spend $175,000 on sports development that include potential new facilities and recruitment, $75,000 for grants and services for regional events and $50,000 for brand building through attending tradeshows and hosting site visits by key event decision makers.

At the June 6 meeting, Spokane Sports CEO Ashley Blake and Senior Director Cherie Gwinn provided an overview of the organization. Spokane Sports has four main areas of focus: major events and sports conferences, sports facility advocacy, regional events and community engagement.

Gwinn said their main clientele for events is the Olympic movement. The organization has also expanded into collegiate athletics.

USA in front of it,” Gwinn said. “We’re trying to bring those sports to Spokane to host those national events.”

Gwinn listed a number of events already held that impact Spokane Valley, one of the largest being the annual USA Volleyball Pacific Northwest Qualifier. Also held are USA Track and Field Cross Country Championships, 1B/2B, 3A classification boys and girls state golf championships, Mt. Spokane Enduro Mountain Bike Festival and the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships.

Blake told the council 75% of what the organization promotes and supports are youth or collegiate sports. The organization brings 60 – 70 events to the area per year, resulting in over 60,000 hotel room night stays.

“It’s very intentional who we’re bringing into town,” she said.

One of the aspirations for Spokane Sports is to create a permanent cross country course in the area to reduce reliance on golf courses and soccer fields as venues. The organization has been in discussions with Spokane Valley staff about a course in the city, with Plantes Ferry County Park floated as one possibility.

Plantes Ferry has already hosted these competitions, ranging from Washington high school district and regional meets to collegiate competition.

Several individuals spoke at the June 20 meeting about the proposed contract with Spokane Sports. Visit Spokane CEO Rose Noble said she was “excited” about the possibility of a contract between Spokane Sports and Spokane Valley, noting it was “extremely important” to move forward not only for events but also for youth sports opportunities.

“They are a valued partner with Visit Spokane,” Noble said. “We do work together to bring many groups to the area.”

Spokane Valley resident Dan Allison questioned the contract, noting it was his understanding from the June 6 presentation that Spokane Sports was headquartered at The Hub, a sports facility located in Liberty Lake.

“How does this look for us going to Liberty Lake to set up a new program?” he asked.

Spokane Sports’ website lists its main office as a suite on West North River Drive in Spokane. Another answer to Allison’s question was provided by Grant Guinn, owner of Tru By Hilton in Spokane Valley.

“Whether events happen at the Hub, or Plantes Ferry or the Podium downtown (Spokane), just so the community understands, just because those physical facilities are in perhaps (other) city limits or county limits, the room nights from those facilities often times generate revenue for hotels here in Spokane Valley,” Guinn said.

The contract with Spokane Sports will require a future budget amendment to utilize the funds.