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Welcome to the December edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re diving into what makes the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a shining example of how vision and execution can elevate a destination. Stick around for the “Key Difference Maker”—a critical insight that could transform your facility’s future.
The Top of the Hill
Rock Hill seamlessly combines the amenities of a large city with the simplicity and ease of small-town life. Located just 20 minutes south of Charlotte, NC, on the I-77 corridor, Rock Hill has leveraged its strategic location to develop some of the most impressive sporting facilities in the region.
The City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism division spearheads its sport and tourism efforts with a clear mission: to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors through leisure, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
Innovation at The Rock Hill Sports & Event Center
At the heart of Rock Hill’s strategy lies the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center (The Center). Opened in December 2019, this 170,000-square-foot facility exemplifies innovation and functionality. Here’s what sets it apart:
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Championship Court: 12,500 sq. ft. with 1,200 stadium seats—ideal for basketball and volleyball.
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Main Court: 72,000 sq. ft. with 700 courtside seats,
accommodating 8 basketball or 16 volleyball courts.
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Multi-Purpose Room: An 8,000 sq. ft. event space for up to 350 guests.
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Walking Track: A quarter-mile track surrounds the Main Court.
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Additional Amenities: Concession stands, locker rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment.
This $25 million facility uniquely integrates 8 contiguous courts, a championship court, and an expansive event space—making it a powerhouse for event organizers seeking a versatile venue.
Impressive Results
In 2024 alone, The Center achieved remarkable results:
Architectural Harmony and High-Profile Events
The Center’s exterior harmonizes with the surrounding revitalized textile mill buildings, creating a vibrant, multi-use area that includes offices, restaurants, and entertainment venues. High-profile events hosted here include:
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Adidas 3SSB Basketball Championships
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NCAA Basketball Academies
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Under Armour Basketball
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American Cornhole League World Championships
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ESPN 8: The Ocho—a live broadcast of unique sports events
Experience & Future Vision
Mark Sexton, Director, City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism shared “In Rock Hill, we may be somewhat unique as a municipality that owns, operates and markets sports and event venues. With strong support from City Council and City Management over many decades, we’ve built first-class venues where our dedicated staff provide excellent customer service which encourages repeat event business. In FY2024, the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center alone created an estimated direct economic impact over $62 million.”
This success of the Center has encouraged plans for an adjacent building, The Bleachery Fieldhouse, to open in early 2026. Currently under construction, this expansion will increase the event hosting capabilities of the Sports & Event Center. It will have 4 basketball courts which can be configured as 8 volleyball courts or 12 pickleball courts, which is in high demand for the region.
Key Takeaway: Visionary Attitude
The secret to Rock Hill’s success? A forward-thinking attitude. As Mark Sexton, Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, states: “With strong support from City Council and City Management over many decades, we’ve built first-class venues where our dedicated staff provide excellent customer service, encouraging repeat business.”
Rock Hill’s leaders don’t just maintain—they innovate. They embody a “future-forward” mindset, constantly asking: What’s next?
Actionable Takeaways for Your Destination
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Adopt a Visionary Attitude: Think beyond today. Define where your facility should be in 5-10 years and align operations to achieve that vision.
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Engage Community Leaders: Success starts with buy-in from key stakeholders. Foster collaboration between municipal leaders, facility operators, and tourism partners.
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Prioritize Customer Experience: Repeat business is the hallmark of success. Invest in staff training and top-tier amenities to create memorable experiences.
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Plan for Growth: Take inspiration from The Center’s expansion. Identify high-demand areas (e.g., pickleball, eSports) and strategically plan your next move.
KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: Visionary Attitude is key. Have one that shows where you are going, not one where you are now.
It is not common to have a municipality that has such a vision and attitude to be impactful in the sport event & tourism industry. The difference is that not only are they the owners, but they also operate it with great success. That attitude is part of their daily mission to become a sports hub for their community and region. Their leaders not only allow them to operate at a high level, but they also encourage it. What is your operating attitude? Is this shared by your community leaders across the board? What winning attitude do you need to adopt to be “future forward”?
Let Rock Hill’s story inspire you to reimagine what’s possible for your destination. The future is yours to shape—start today!
SPORTS ETA 2025 FACILITIES SUMMIT - TULSA, OK APRIL 13-14
Want to learn more about how to add a game-changing facility to your destination or how to maximize the operations of your existing facility? Sports ETA's Facility Summit is for you.
Want to showcase a facility in your destination?
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org
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