Welcome to the October edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re thrilled to highlight the Alachua County Sports & Events Complex (ACSEC) in Gainesville, Florida—a premier destination for sports events in North Florida. Known for its state-of-the-art indoor track and adaptable multi-sport spaces, the ACSEC stands out as a powerhouse in sports tourism, boosting local economic growth and providing world-class facilities for athletes, spectators, and the surrounding community. Don’t miss the “Key Difference Maker” at the end—this insight could help shape your own facility’s impact.

A Legacy of Sports Dedication

Since 1999, the Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) has been dedicated to advancing sports tourism and community development through strategic sports events. As a nonprofit with a mission to drive tourism and economic impact, the GSC has fueled over 300 million dollars in economic growth for Gainesville and Alachua County. Annually, GSC’s efforts bring approximately $20 million in direct economic impact, supported by Alachua County, bed-tax funds via Visit Gainesville, and private sponsorships from hotels and local businesses. The GSC’s success has driven substantial tourism and fortified Gainesville as a must-visit sports destination.

Unmatched Facilities at the ACSEC

The ACSEC is more than just a sports venue; it’s a comprehensive sports destination. From indoor track to basketball, volleyball, and beyond, here’s what makes ACSEC a standout:

• World Athletics-compliant indoor track featuring a 200m Mondo 6-lane banked track, an 8-lane 60m sprint area, high jump, pole vault, and more.
   
• Versatile multi-sport courts with 18 volleyball courts, 10 regulation basketball courts, and a 6,500 sq. ft. cheer studio.
   
• VIP amenities including a VIP Sky Deck, Fast Break Sports Bar, and extensive meeting spaces (nearly 10,000 sq. ft. combined).
   
• Community engagement spaces such as indoor batting cages, high-performance and training centers, and flexible seating for up to 2,400 spectators.

The $35.32 million project funding was a collaborative effort: $30 million from Alachua County’s Tourist Development Taxes, $3 million from Viking’s operational input, and $2.32 million from the State of Florida. This commitment has elevated ACSEC to be a premier facility, capable of hosting national and international events.

Celebrating Community Success

In August 2024, Gainesville announced it will host the 2025 and 2026 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships at the ACSEC. This three-day collegiate event is expected to attract significant foot traffic and media attention, strengthening ACSEC’s role as a top sports facility. Executive Director Joleen Cacciatore Miller, of the GSC, said, “It’s an honor to host this event for the first time in the state of Florida at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center at Celebration Pointe. Good luck to all the athletes, and please enjoy what our community has to offer.”


Through events like the Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track & Field Event and the Gainesville Senior Games, the GSC and ACSEC continue to drive local tourism and community engagement. With over 45 events per year, generating 50,000 out-of-town visitors and contributing $4 million in direct hotel impact, ACSEC remains a pillar in Gainesville’s economic landscape.

Key Difference Maker: Commitment to Mission and Long-Term Vision

ACSEC and the Gainesville Sports Commission’s unwavering commitment to their mission has cultivated a decades-long impact. Their focus on long-term partnerships has led to sustained success, showing how sports tourism can consistently drive economic growth.

Consider this: Does your facility have enduring partnerships and a clear mission that aligns with your community’s long-term vision for sports tourism?

                            
Final Thoughts

The ACSEC’s enduring success speaks to the power of strong mission alignment and community backing. For venues across the country, taking a page from the Gainesville Sports Commission’s playbook could mean focusing on long-term partnerships, consistent investment, and community engagement. 

Who are your long-term partners, and do they understand the value of sports as a sustainable economic driver?

Want to showcase a facility in your destination?
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org

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