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 ...
CINCINNATI (February 4, 2025) – The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today a new partnership with Team Travel Source, a leader in tournament housing for youth sports, and software company EventPipe as the official housing technology and services providers for Sports ETA events.
Under the partnership, Team Travel Source will serve as the Housing Services Provider, managing customer service and support for Sports ETA members and event attendees. EventPipe will act as the Housing Technology Provider, supplying the platform for booking online reservations and streamlining the housing management process. Events included in the agreement are the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium in Tulsa, the 2025 4S Summit in Annapolis, MD, the 2026 Chief Executive Summit (location TBD) and the 2026 Women’s Summit in Phoenix.
“We’re excited to work with Team Travel Source and EventPipe to e...
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...
Welcome to the December edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re diving into what makes the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a shining example of how vision and execution can elevate a destination. Stick around for the “Key Difference Maker”—a critical insight that could transform your facility’s future.
The Top of the Hill
Rock Hill seamlessly combines the amenities of a large city with the simplicity and ease of small-town life. Located just 20 minutes south of Charlotte, NC, on the I-77 corridor, Rock Hill has leveraged its strategic location to develop some of the most impressive sporting facilities in the region.
The City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism division spearheads its sport and tourism efforts with a clear mission: to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors through leisure, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
Innovation at The...
Welcome to the November edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we turn our spotlight to the Roebbelen Center in Placer Valley, California—a groundbreaking project that reimagines the potential of sports facilities on the West Coast. This facility is a trailblazer, transforming the decades-old Placer County Fairgrounds into a world-class multipurpose event campus that has become a national model for tourism and sports event innovation.
Make sure to read to the end—our Key Difference Maker could inspire new strategies to elevate your facility's success!
A Place Where Champions Are Made
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, Placer Valley has emerged as a hub for premier sports events, hosting some of the largest youth, amateur, and professional competitions in the western United States. With top-tier facilities, tournament-friendly hotels, and easy access via Interstate 80,...
Welcome to the October edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re thrilled to highlight the Alachua County Sports & Events Complex (ACSEC) in Gainesville, Florida—a premier destination for sports events in North Florida. Known for its state-of-the-art indoor track and adaptable multi-sport spaces, the ACSEC stands out as a powerhouse in sports tourism, boosting local economic growth and providing world-class facilities for athletes, spectators, and the surrounding community. Don’t miss the “Key Difference Maker” at the end—this insight could help shape your own facility’s impact.
A Legacy of Sports Dedication
Since 1999, the Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) has been dedicated to advancing sports tourism and community development through strategic sports events. As a nonprofit with a mission to drive tourism and economic impact, the GSC has fueled over 300 million dollars in economic growth for Gainesville and ...
Get ready for an exciting edition of the September 2024 Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most groundbreaking facilities in the sports events and tourism industry: Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG). As one of the largest sports and entertainment complex in North America, AAG is not just a venue—it’s a game-changer for sports tourism. Dive into this showcase and discover how AAG is driving both community engagement and economic growth. Plus, don’t miss our "Key Difference Maker" and a thought-provoking question to help you level up your own operations. Let’s get started!
Mesa, arizona: A Premier Sports Destination, Powered by Partnership
Mesa has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most desirable destinations for hosting a wide range of sporting events—whether amateur, youth, collegiate, or professional. The city has hosted premier tournaments for the NCAA, NJC...
August 2024
Welcome to the August 2024 Sports ETA Facility Showcase, a feature that aims to highlight the best sports facilities within our membership, showcasing what sets them apart, as their "key difference maker". This month, we're thrilled to feature the Spokane Sports' premier indoor sporting venue: The Podium, the crown jewel of Spokane's sports events and tourism portfolio.
Established in 1989, Spokane Sports has been a driving force in the region's economic development as a nonprofit organization. They play a pivotal role in attracting, retaining, and facilitating sports events across Spokane, fueled by a dynamic blend of funding sources, including a Tourism Promotion Assessment (TPA), lodging tax funds, and rental car tax revenues. This robust support empowers them to elevate sports events and tourism in the region. The showcase of The Podium exemplifies how Spokane Sports achieves their success through strategic partnership...
July 2024
Welcome to the inaugural Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This new feature aims to highlight the best sports facilities within our membership. Each month, we'll spotlight a new destination's premier facility at the heart of their sports tourism portfolio, showcasing what sets them apart, as their "key difference maker".
To kick off our launch, we're excited to feature four future hosts of some of our upcoming Sports ETA events.
Tampa Bay Sports Authority
Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay
This facility was opened in 2019 and is managed by the Tampa Sports Authority, as their organization is charged with recruiting and attracting events. This facility was built for $17 million through a partnership with Hillsboro County, The Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.
Since its opening, it has hosted 161 events with total attendance exceeding 372,000 spectators with almost half coming from outside th...
Save the Date: April 13-17, 2025, in Tulsa, OK for Our 2025 Symposium and Facilities Summit!
We are thrilled to invite you to two premier events in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from April 13-17, 2025: the 2025 Symposium and the 2025 Facilities Summit! Registration for both events is now open!
2025 Symposium
Date: April 14-17, 2025
Our Symposium is the place to be for sports events and tourism professionals looking to elevate their game. Here’s what you can expect:
Innovative Sessions and Keynote Presentations
Be inspired by an incredible lineup of sessions and keynotes featuring industry leaders and experts. Gain valuable knowledge and practical takeaways to implement in your organization.
Networking Opportunities
Take advantage of numerous networking events to connect with peers, industry partners, and event owners from across the country. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.
2025 Facilities Summit
Date: April 13-14, 2025
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