with Connor Fields, motivational speaker, Olympic gold medalist, and resilience expert.
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama. The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitor Bureau is at the center of this destination’s sport tourism and event magic.
Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility. At the core of Birmingham, Alabama’s Uptown Entertainment District lies the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) campus. It's home to two incredible sport venues, Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena. The BJCC complex welcomes over 1 million fans to events annually. It is for good reason they call themselves “Alabama’s Premier Entertainment Destination.”
Protective Stadium: A Hub of Sporting Spectacles
Since its inauguration in 2021, Protective Stadium has rapidly established itself as a dynamic and prom...
with Caryn Bradshaw, Managing Director of Operations at Sports Salt Lake
with Bri Seifert, Senior Manager of Sports Sales at Visit Fort Collins
The latest Playbook is out now -- Sports ETA members should have received a printed copy in the mail, but you can always read online too!
Not sure how to tackle the STS Certificate Program? We've created a sample timeline to help you stay on track - from enrollment to final course completion.
Whether you're pacing yourself over several months or diving in headfirst, this roadmap gives you a clear view of what to expect and how to plan your progress.
Start smart. Stay focused. Earn your STS with confidence.
Download Sample STS Timeline and Course Path.
with Jon Limber, Sports Tourism Coordinator, Shores & Islands Ohio
This white paper explores how sports commissions are leading the charge by using data and partnerships to deliver events that boost local economies, reduce environmental impact, and create lasting community value.
Key Takeaways in This Report
Partnerships are powerful: Sports commissions drive sustainability by connecting local vendors, nonprofits, and rights holders to collaborate on shared goals.
Data fuels smarter events: Tracking metrics like waste, energy use, and community impact helps optimize planning and prove sustainability outcomes.
Sustainability is a competitive edge: Eco-conscious practices strengthen RFPs, attract major events, and enhance a destination’s appeal.
Local impact matters: Sustainable events support local businesses, create green jobs, and keep economic benefits in the community.
Legacy goes beyond the event: Community engagement, education, and long-term initiatives help build resilience and leave lasting value...
with Woman of the Year Award Winner, Marissa Werner, Director of Sports Milwaukee.
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In August of 2024, Lake Charles CVB announce the creation of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority (LCRSA). This new division of Visit Lake Charles reinforces its commitment to sports, appealing to event rights holders who seek destinations focused on hosting and promoting sporting and recreational events of all sizes. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.
Behind-the-Scenes Innovation:
One of LCRSA’s main sports facilities is the Burton Coliseum. It stands as a multi-purpose domed arena, equipped to host diverse events encompassing basketball, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, volleyball, wrestling, and rodeos. The facility offers 24,000 square feet of floor space, characterized by a dome culminating...