Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on the Eco's Sports Park in sunny Puerto Rico. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to sports facilities, location is everything—and Eco’s Sports Park is no exception. Nestled within Parque Luís Muñoz Marín, this outdoor multi-sport complex is part of a dynamic hub that also includes iconic venues like the Hiram Bithorn Stadium and the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum.
The park is supported by Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). Established in 2017, Discover Puerto Rico has championed tourism as a transformative force for the island’s economy, working to position Puerto Rico as a top-tier destination for leisure, business, and e...
with Paula Beadle, Founder and CEO, Sponsorship Marketing Association
Sports tourism is making a major impact, generating $39.7 billion in direct spending, supporting over 635,000 jobs, and contributing $12.9 billion in tax revenue in 2021 alone, according to Sports ETA’s State of the Industry Report. As this sector continues to thrive, the focus is shifting toward sustainable growth—balancing environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
For destination marketers and event organizers, adopting sustainable practices isn’t just ethical—it’s a strategic move that enhances destination appeal, boosts community benefits, and drives long-term economic success. This white paper dives into actionable ways to integrate sustainability into sports tourism, creating memorable events while securing lasting value for communities.
Key Takeaways from the White Paper:
Triple Bottom Line: Sustainability means balancing environmental, social, and economic goals for impactful sports events.
Going Green: Focus on wast...
and what's to come in 2025
The Nominating Committee is accepting applications for seven (7) open positions on the Sports ETA Board of Directors, including:
Executive Committee – Secretary/Treasurer
Four (4) Directors representing the Destination category
(3-year terms expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Industry Partner category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Rights Holder category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
Apply Now!
Key Dates to Remember
*Subject to change
Monday, December 16: Nomination Portal Opens
Sunday, February 16 @ 11:59 PM PST: Nomination Portal Closes
February 17 – 21: Review Applications & Schedule Interviews
February 24 – March 7: Interviews Take Place
Friday, March 14: Slate Finalized
Tuesday, March 25: Proposed Slate Presented to the Board of Dire...
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sports events and tourism industry—a celebration of those whose dedication, leadership, and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on our field.
This is your chance to honor the trailblazers and visionaries who inspire us all. Inductees into the Hall of Fame have typically devoted decades to advancing the industry. Their contributions are not only impactful locally but resonate on national and even international levels.
Do you know someone who fits this description? Nominate them today and help us recognize the legends who have shaped our industry.
📅 Nomination Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025
📩 Submit Your Nomination Here: https://forms.gle/4J9ZJZsEwqP9AwTr9
Why nominate someone for the Sports ETA Hall of Fame?
Recognition of Excellence: The Sports ETA Hall of Fame celebrates the achievemen...
CINCINNATI (January 6, 2025) – Sports ETA, the official trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today a new partnership with Rico Solutions, a leader in sustainability solutions for events, to provide a suite of educational offerings for the membership of Sports ETA.
This initiative between Sports ETA and Rico Solutions launched at Sports ETA’s 4S Summit hosted in Chattanooga, Tennessee and will continue throughout 2025. Richmond Region Tourism will also partner as the sponsor of the educational courses focused on sustainability strategies that will be available through the Sports Tourism Learning Institute.
“One of our primary objectives is to discover and offer innovations in the sports events and tourism industry, and sustainability is a critical area for us to share best practices,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Together with Rico Solutions, we will unveil a number of educational offerin...
The sports events tourism industry is expanding rapidly, with destinations competing to host events of all sizes. While traditional metrics like visitor spending and hotel occupancy remain essential, earned media offers a powerful, untapped opportunity to measure the broader impact of sports events.
Key Takeaways:
Earned Media Value (EMV): Represents unpaid, organic publicity from media coverage, influencer mentions, and social sharing—capturing the intangible impact of media impressions.
Sports ETA Earned Media Calculator: Provides a groundbreaking tool to quantify EMV, enabling destinations and Rights Holders to measure and report media awareness and overall impact effectively.
Broader Event Value: EMV highlights the significance of events beyond overnight stays, showcasing audience reach, brand visibility, and media exposure.
Enhanced RFPs: Including EMV in event proposals helps Rights Holders present a comprehensive and compelling case for their event’s e...
Trends to watch with President and CEO John David