Welcome to the November 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are changing things up to focus on one key area of the facilities we have showcased in the past, Design and Experience. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.
What Does Design and Experience Add to a Facility?
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is a key non-profit promoting community strength through parks and recreation. While 20th-century Parks and Recreation departments mainly managed local sports facilities, the late 1980s and 1990s saw a shift toward partnerships for competition-grade facilities to drive economic development. Currently, modern Parks and Recreation departments are investing in multi-use, hybrid athletic complexes that incorporate tourism, moving beyond traditional offerings. ...
We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone for Sports ETA: We have officially welcomed our 100th new member of the year — for the second consecutive year!
This achievement is more than just a benchmark. It’s a testament to the strength of our community, the growing impact of the sports events and tourism industry, and the trust that destinations, rights holders, industry partners, and facilities place in Sports ETA every day.
A Team Effort Worth Celebrating
Membership growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through intentional relationship-building, consistent outreach, and a deep commitment to delivering value. We want to give a heartfelt shoutout to our exceptional Membership Team:
Michelle Wessels — Senior Director of Membership & Engagement
Glen Schorr — Rights Holder Representative
Brian Graham — Destination Representative
Austin Long — Member Services Coord...
For the first time ever, a delegation of America's premier host cities will visit Lausanne to strengthen global sports tourism partnerships
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The U.S.-based Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), will lead a historic visit of 16 major U.S. host destinations to meet with global sports federation leaders and event organizers in Lausanne, Switzerland from December 3-5, 2025.
This notable visit marks a significant milestone in the international engagement strategy of Sports ETA—the leading and only trade association representing the U.S. sports tourism industry—ahead of a series of global sports events coming to the United States, including the FIFA World Cup 26 and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The delegation will connect with international sports federations and organizations headquartered in Lausanne, widely recognized as the Olympic Capital of the world.
Sports ETA President &...
Endurance sports events – like triathlons, marathons, and cycling races – are powerful drivers of tourism, community wellness, and destination branding. When aligned with local priorities, they generate significant economic returns, strengthen civic pride, and leave lasting legacies.
This white paper outlines a framework to help communities and organizers unlock their full potential.
Key Takeaways:
Endurance events are complex, two-way education, shared language and strategic planning between event producers, host destinations and facilities is vital for event success.
Alignment of short- and long-term goals should be part of agreement negotiations. (profit vs. public good, short-term tourism vs. long-term community value)
Key Elements (ex. event planning, data collection, community communication) must stay deliberate and collaborative annually. Information silos, gaps in data and a lack of fresh and ongoing storytelling weaken the case for continu...
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are featuring the Western Sports Park in Davis County, Utah. This is an expanded facility north of Salt Lake City that increases the sports facilities landscape of the region and the State. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.
The Western Sports Park, One “Seamless” Investment to the “Amusement Capital”
Davis County is home to a rich history, diverse activities and unique scenery. It might be the smallest county in landmass in the state, but they are the third most populated county in Utah. Located approximately 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City, they proudly proclaim that they are the “Amusement Capital” of the state for their offering of adventures and opportunities not offered elsewhere in the state. The team at Discover Davis...
CINCINNATI, OH (October 14, 2025) — The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the leading association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today the addition of Jordan Dillon and Raelyn Dessart to its Membership & Engagement team. Together, they will support Sports ETA’s mission to unite and elevate the organizations and professionals driving the sports events and tourism economy across the nation.
“I’m excited to welcome Raelyn and Jordan to our team,” said Michelle Wessels, Senior Director of Membership & Engagement at Sports ETA. “They both bring incredible passion and fresh perspectives that will help us strengthen relationships, grow our membership, and continue driving engagement and participation across our events.”
Jordan Dillon, Associate Director of Membership & Engagement, Rights Holders
Jordan Dillon brings more than 15 years of exper...
CINCINNATI (For Immediate Release) – The Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today a new corporate partnership with Tanger®, a leading owner and operator of open-air outlet and lifestyle shopping destinations.
Through this partnership, Tanger will serve as the presenting sponsor of Sports ETA’s Student Enrichment Program, a philanthropic initiative designed to support the next generation of sports tourism professionals through education and networking opportunities. The collaboration will introduce Tanger’s brand to Sports ETA’s broad industry network and provide opportunities for engagement across the sports events and tourism industry.
“This partnership with Tanger demonstrates our commitment to connecting national brands with the sports tourism industry in meaningful ways,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Together, we wi...
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 25, 2025) – Sports events and tourism professionals — including nearly 90 first-time participants and 50 first-time Sports ETA event attendees converged in Annapolis this week for the 2025 Sports ETA 4S & Rights Holder Summit, held September 23–25 for three powerhouse days focused on Strategies, Services, Sales, and Sponsorships in sports events and tourism. Attendees gained cutting-edge insights from icons of sports business and military leadership, forged valuable partnerships, and explored the future of sports tourism together.
Attendees were treated to a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation with baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. — Hall of Fame shortstop and member of the Baltimore Orioles ownership group. Ripken headlined a powerhouse keynote lineup that also featured MLB Network’s Melanie Newman, Brave Enterprises founder Crista Samaras, and Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Engagement Jameel McClain. Together, these le...
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are featuring The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.
Why is The Monument Important to Rapid City
According to our partners, the Rapid City Sports Commission in Rapid City, The Monument is the centerpiece of live sports and entertainment in western South Dakota. It serves as a hub for community connection, regional tourism, and local traditions. From Rapid City Rush hockey and high school tournaments to national touring acts, The Monument provides the stage where memories are created and shared.
The Monument contributes tens of millions of dollars annually to Rapid City’s economy. Visitors attending games, concerts, and tournaments generate hotel stays, restaurant business, and retail activity that ripple across the region. The most recent ...
Sports ETA is excited to announce we are officially accepting proposals to host the largest and most influential gathering in sports events & tourism, our annual Symposium in 2029, 2030, and 2031. We want your destination to be part of our future.
The Sports ETA Symposium unites 1,000+ industry leaders, destinations, industry partners, and rights holders. By hosting Symposium, your destination becomes the backdrop for the most powerful familiarization tour in sports tourism. For an entire week, 250+ rights holders, including both international and domestic rights holders, will experience firsthand what makes your destination exceptional.
Hosting the Symposium offers unmatched benefits:
Global platform with unparalleled exposure to 250+ rights holders from across the U.S. and abroad.
Economic impact from 1,000+ attendees providing you the opportunity to showcase your destination to top sports tourism professionals
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