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This edition of The Pulse takes a look at how you, our members, have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the month of April. This survey has closed. Take a look at the results.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the sports tourism industry. In The Pulse, we have been asking members about these hardships and what the future may hold. Last week, we asked about the challenges of advocating for sports events and tourism. The top four answers were… Budget & Funding Post COVID-19 Protocol Uncertainty of the future Partnerships Many sports commissions and event organizers are facing a decrease in funds due to COVID-19. Some who were surveyed said they are having to “justify” their spending. Others are faced with questions of how to plan for sporting events when no one is sure of the timeline or protocol after this pandemic has passed. There are resources out there. The Pulse asked those who took the survey what resources they are utilizing. Many said Sports ETA (and we thank you for that), and other sports commissions and organizations. Others are pulling their resources with government entities and Sta...

Refreshingly offbeat and sunsets on repeat. Maybe that is why high-level competitions like IRONMAN Arizona, Cactus League Spring Training or USA Triathlon have chosen to host their events in Tempe, Arizona. The feel of Tempe is all its own according to James Tevault. He works as the Director of Sales at the Tempe Tourism Office. “It’s a welcoming destination with a spirited lifestyle where you’ll find fun-filled activities at every turn,” Tevault said. “Tempe’s convenient location and sunny skies create a winning game plan for any sporting event.” Tempe is home to more than 23 sporting facilities which can host a wide variety of sports. -Sun Devil Fitness Complex - Sun Devil Fitness Complex consists of 135,000 sq. ft. of indoor activity space, as well as various outdoor fields and court space which include multipurpose rooms, basketball courts, pools, outdoor fields, and meeting spaces. -Tempe Sports Complex - Tempe’s ...

“Plan now. Play later.” That’s the current business objective of Lake Erie Shores & Islands according to their Sports Tourism Manager Chris Lewis.  Described as America’s Sports & Family Fun Capital, the Ohio shores of Lake Erie and the islands offer plenty of reasons visitors should vacation there and sports events organizers should consider the locations for an upcoming event. “Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands is the Midwest’s ultimate sports destination, which is especially loved by families who find themselves combining sports travel with a family vacation,” said Chris Lewis. “Home to world-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park consistently voted as one of the best amusement parks in the world, the region also delights with a variety of indoor and outdoor water parks, recreational opportunities, islands, and coastal communities to explore, amazing freshwater fishing, and more.” For sporting events...

Sports ETA Members: Although we were looking forward to seeing everyone in person in Kansas City next week, we are pleased that we were able to retain the robust line-up of industry experts and topics in order to bring the Sports Facilities Summit to you in a virtual format. If you didn't register for the live Summit, now is your chance. Register for the Virtual Sports Facilities Summit today! The first session begins next week on Wednesday. For more information on registration, schedule, topics and more click here. Questions? Email info@sportseta.org.

This week, Sports ETA members shared their thoughts on the biggest challenges facing them and their organizations in responses to The Pulse. The biggest challenge is budget and funding as revenues are uncertain amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To build upon this research, Destinations International (DI) is taking a weekly pulse check on the industry and you can reference it here. According to the DI research, the majority of destination organizations anticipate some kind of shortterm budget cuts, with most expecting cuts in the range of 20-50%. The uncertainty of future events is a concern of nearly half of all respondents. If you're concerned about event contracts and insurance, we have a resource to help. Click here for a webinar from law firm, Buchalter, featuring a panel of experts in insurance and law on issues related to event cancellations and insurance recovery for businesses of all sizes. Labor and employment issues are a concern as well. According to DI, destinat...

Missing sports? So are our members at the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Because stadium, ballpark and arena seats are empty during the coronavirus outbreak, commission executive director Linda Logan's group is trying to gather sports fans for the next best thing: a virtual Sports Report series. The virtual series, which starts Thursday and will feature interviews with and special appearances by local team officials, trainers, chefs and others, is designed to fill the gap in sports content caused by the virus. Read the full article here. Keep it up Columbus. Together, we are #SportsTourismStrong. Article originally appeared on www.bizjournals.com/columbus/

Even though you are all socially distancing and many are under stay at home directives, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be active and still practicing your favorite sports. To help give you some new and creative ideas, we are inviting you to join us, virtually, in the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Sports Challenge! During this unprecedented situation, America’s Sports & Family Fun Capital® is asking everyone to stay home. However, athletes of all ages should be able to stay active and be ready for the day when we can all get back together for play. Throughout the month of April, Lake Erie Shores & Islands will be sharing daily online sport drills and tips from local sports venues such as Cedar Point Sports Center and Sports Force Parks. We will also be sharing activities from various sporting event owners that have or will be visiting the region for tournaments, such as volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Show off your skills, while practicing social...

Our members at the Decatur Morgan County Tourism office are hosting virtual event series each week with local partners to highlight activities families can do online with their attractions, as well as with local restaurants to promote take-out orders or how to make their food at home.  View details. Stir crazy yet? We all may be trapped in our homes but that is no reason to stop enjoying life! Introducing ARMCHAIR MOCO:  a great way to explore Morgan County, Alabama, while maintaining safe social distance! Take a look. Keep it up Decatur. Together, we are #SportsTourismStrong!