Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on sunny Central Florida’s Lake Myrtle Sports Park in sunny Auburndale, FL. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility. 

"Our Home Field, Your Advantage” 

The Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale has cemented its status as a premier destination for youth, amateur, and collegiate sports. Its unparalleled location, coupled with world-class facilities, has made it one of the most coveted venues in the region. With seamless access via major highways, including Interstate 4, the park serves as a prime host for large-scale tournaments and prestigious sporting events. 

Visit Central Florida Sports has been instrumental in the park’s meteoric rise. By fostering strategic partnerships, Polk County has ensured that Lake Myrtle Sports Park continues to be a powerhouse in sports tourism while simultaneously fueling local infrastructure growth and economic prosperity. This approach exemplifies their tagline, “Our Home Field, Your Advantage”. 

Lake Myrtle Sports Park: An Economic Engine

Lake Myrtle Sports Park showcases a remarkable array of amenities designed to accommodate a diverse spectrum of sports and community activities. This facility offers many sporting opportunities that drive the area's economy.  

Take a look at what you can find at Lake Myrtle Sports Park: 

• 11 International Soccer Fields, featuring a 3,500-seat Championship Stadium 

• 9 Collegiate-Size Baseball Diamonds 

• 4 Youth Baseball Diamonds 

• Championship Water Sports Lake 

• Walking Trails and Expansive Green Spaces for Community Use 

• Headquarters for Visit Central Florida Sports, the American Power Boat Association, the Pan-American Lacrosse Association, and the Florida Youth Soccer Association. 

Since its inception, the park has played host to an impressive roster of sporting events, including: 

• State and National Soccer Championships 

• Dog Agility Championships 

• Regional and National Rugby Championships 

• Lacrosse Tournaments 

• National and International Water Ski Championships 

• RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational, the largest collegiate baseball tournament in the country 
   

In 2024 alone, the park hosted 58 events, drawing more than 220,000 participants and spectators to Polk County. This influx of visitors generated over $50 million in economic impact, reinforcing the park’s role as a critical driver of regional prosperity. 

Future Expansion and Vision

Building on its continued success, Visit Central Florida Sports and the City of Auburndale have unveiled ambitious plans for expansion to enhance the park’s capabilities and accommodate even larger-scale events. 

The existing facilities at Lake Myrtle Sports Park were developed in three phases, over 17 years, each phase strategically executed to meet the growing demand. Over the next three years, the park will continue to expand under Phase IV, introducing new fields and amenities: 

• 2025 - Additional restrooms, concession stands, and a judge’s tower for the Championship Water Sports Lake. The perimeter of the Soccer Stadium will be enclosed, creating an enhanced championship environment. 

• 2026 - Three additional soccer fields and three to four youth softball fields will be added to support the recruitment of larger events. 

• 2027 - A state-of-the-art 2,500-seat baseball stadium will be constructed at the Championship Baseball Field. 

Neal Duncan, Senior Sales & Events Manager for Visit Central Florida Sports, underscores the park’s long-term vision said, "Lake Myrtle Sports Park is more than just a venue; it’s a driving force for economic growth and community development. Every event we host attracts athletes, families, and visitors who contribute to our local economy while experiencing top-tier competition." 
 

Strategic Public-Private Partnerships

Visit Central Florida Sports, in collaboration with the City of Auburndale, has successfully utilized a blend of tourist development tax and municipal funding to develop the facility. However, through a groundbreaking partnership, both entities have also secured private investment to maintain the facility’s state-of-the-art status while ensuring financial sustainability. 

This innovative approach has allowed the park to: 

• Generate substantial tourism revenue through hotel stays, dining, and local attractions

• Maintain top-tier facilities without over-relying on taxpayer dollars 

• Cultivate long-term partnerships with major sports organizations and governing bodies 

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: Focused Strategic Collaboration Delivers 

Lake Myrtle Sports Park exemplifies the power of visionary leadership, strategic alliances, and community-driven planning. Its unwavering commitment to excellence has not only solidified Polk County’s reputation as a premier sports destination but has also delivered lasting economic and social benefits to the local community. 

Things to think about:

• How do you collaborate with your city/county? 
• Does your facility have a plan for future expansion? 
• Is your sports “Economic Engine” understood by your community?   
   

**Huge shout out to Marc Zimmerman from Visit Polk County Sports for this month’s feature. Marc is an industry veteran and has made significant contributions to Sports Tourism.  

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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 Facilities Summit is for you.

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

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