Visit Salt Lake City’s 2nd Annual Salt Lake Winter Roundup
The event, in partnership with the Days of '47 Rodeo, celebrates Salt Lake City's sporting and cultural heritage. Courtesy Visit Salt Lake City Salt Lake City, Utah——The second annual Salt Lake City Winter Roundup returns on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Salt Lake City. In partnership with the Days of '47 Rodeo, the all-day event will transform West Temple between City Creek Center and Abravanel Hall into a vibrant Westside Center celebrating Salt Lake City's rich sports, arts and cultural heritage. From 1 to 4 p.m., guests can expect many activities, including a fusion of ski slopes, rodeo and ski racing. There will also be live music, arts and cultural performances, interactive brand activations, mechanical bull rides, food vendors and other family-friendly experiences. “This year’s Salt Lake City Winter Roundup is a celebration of Salt Lake City’s spirit of hospitality and rich history,” said Kaitlin Eskelson, President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake.…
Sports ETA in partnership with Rico Solutions
Sports ETA and Rico Solutions partner to educate members on sustainability. Provided by Sports ETA and Rico Solutions. Cincinnati, Ohio——Sports ETA, the official trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, and Rico Solutions, a company that provides sustainable solutions for events, launched an initiative for Sports ETA members at the Sports ETA 4S Summit in Chattanooga Offers a suite of educational products to Tennessee.The program aims to educate teams across the country on best practices for greener events, and they will deliver educational courses focused on sustainability strategies, which will be delivered through the Sports Tourism Learning Academy.Richmond Regional Tourism sponsors the program, which will run through 2025. “We know the importance and benefits of implementing green practices, thanks to the net-zero options we offer planners to help offset carbon emissions and make events more sustainable,” said Jerrine Lee, Richmond Regional Tourism Vice President of Sales.“We are pleased to partner with Sports ETA to advance its organization and…
Hot Springs hosts Baseball Weekend and World of Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth World Series logo provided by Visit Hot Springs. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas—The eighth annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend and Babe Ruth World Series will be held this year in Hot Springs, known as the "Birthplace of Major League Baseball's Spring Training."The Babe Ruth World Series for 14-year-olds will be held August 7-16, bringing together hundreds of the world's best 14-year-old baseball players at the city's historic Majestic Park Ballpark . Hot Springs Baseball Weekend will bring big-name baseball players to town on August 8-9.“Some of the greatest former players and the best young players are coming to Hot Springs at the same time,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs. “Fans will have the opportunity to connect with crowd favorite Johnny Bench and newcomers Ron Guidry, Bret Saberhagen and Steve Gar Interact with legends like Steve Garvey and get the chance to watch some of the best 14-year-olds in the world play in our great majestic…
GameAbove Sports and Sports Travel Group partners make an impact
Beautifully landscaped golf course at Adare Estate in Ireland. Provided by Golf Traveler Fort Myers, Florida——GameAbove Sports, a sports business development company and charity that provides opportunities for athletes, is partnering with Sports Travel Group. The partnership includes a multi-million dollar investment aimed at expanding Golf Traveller's presence throughout North America.Golf Traveler specializes in creating custom travel packages that offer access to famous golf courses, luxury accommodations and unique experiences. With this strategic investment, GameAbove Sports aims to expand its presence in the golf industry through its partnership with Golf Traveller.GameAbove Sports has a long history of supporting initiatives to grow and enhance the game of golf, including grassroots player development programs, the construction of golf training facilities and current investments in new golf technology."We are excited to partner with Sports Travel Group and Golf Traveler as they continue to expand their presence and influence in the global golf community," said Keith J. Stone, Founder and Chairman of GameAbove. “This…
The New Orleans company releases an official statement, sending
New Orleans Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Photo: Getty Images New Orleans, Louisiana——Walt Leger III, president and CEO of Visit New Orleans, the official destination and marketing sales organization of New Orleans, released a statement following the New Year's Day riot on Bourbon Street. "New Orleans Inc. extends its deepest condolences to the loved ones and victims of the terrorist attack that occurred in our city early New Year's Day," the statement began. "Learning the names of the victims, seeing the photos and hearing the stories of the victims is heartbreaking. Let us be clear: Millions of visitors are drawn to New Orleans, and hundreds of thousands of us choose to be here Live and work because of our passionate people and beautiful culture. With world-class venues, culture and walkability, New Orleans is uniquely "built for" major events, meetings and conferences. “Our preparations for the upcoming events, and the spirit and resilience of our community, will not be deterred…
Unrivaled Sports acquires 325-acre Rocker B Ranch
Unrivaled Sports is adding Rocker B Ranch to its baseball and multi-sport division. Provided by Unparalleled Sports Grafford, Texas—— Unrivaled Sports, a leader in youth sports, has added Rocker B Ranch to its roster of venues for its baseball and multi-sport divisions. Located 90 miles (approximately an hour's drive) west of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, this 325-acre ranch combines an elite youth baseball championship with a scenic, full-service resort.Located near Possum Kingdom Lake and the Brazos River, Rocker B Ranch offers on-site accommodations, numerous outdoor activities, and views of the Palo Pinto Mountains. The ranch has transcended baseball and become a destination for sporting events and corporate vacations. The ranch features four baseball diamonds and resort-style amenities including lodging options such as cabins, cabins and cabins, as well as food and beverage services, two swimming pools, a fishing pond and a music venue. The hotel also has volleyball, basketball and tennis courts.Unrivaled Sports, which owns Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All-Star…
Birmingham selected to host 2025 USA Judo Senior Nationals
USA Judo Senior National Team. Provided by USA Judo Colorado Springs, Colorado——The USA Judo 2025 Senior National Championships will be held on May 24-25 in Birmingham, Alabama. More than 600 people are expected to attend. The Shiai competition will be held on Saturday, May 24, and the Kata Nationals will be held on Sunday, May 25. “We are excited to travel to Birmingham for next year’s Senior National Championships,” said Keith Bryant, CEO of USA Judo. “Birmingham has become a premier sporting events destination and we know our members will love the event, the venue and all the entertainment options nearby.” The game will be held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center (BJCC), Alabama's largest events, convention and entertainment center. The center includes a 45,000-seat stadium, a 15,500-seat arena, 220,000 square feet of exhibition space, and two 4,000-seat theaters. In 2024, Sports Business Journal ranked Birmingham third in the country for sports events among cities without a "Big Five" professional team.…
D1 Training Announces Dom Bonvissuto as Media Director
Dom Bonvissuto, Media Director, D1 Training. Courtesy D1 Training Nashville, Tennessee—Sports training organization D1 Training has appointed Dom Bonvissuto as media and content director. In his new role, Bonvissuto is responsible for overseeing and implementing D1's national content strategy and helping establish the brand's voice and tone. He will also lead D1's national email communications and work with the company's more than 115 franchise locations and more than 30,000 athlete members. "We are excited to add someone of Dom's caliber and character to our team," said Will Bartholomew, Founder and CEO of D1 Training. "His experience in sports media and marketing will be a valuable asset as D1 continues to grow nationally. Between Dom's past and D1's future, there are endless possibilities." Bonvissuto has more than 20 years of experience in sports media and marketing, starting his journalism career at the Nashville City Paper in 2001, where he covered D1 founder Will Bartholomew in 2003. He has also written for…
Sports ETA welcomes Christina Velasquez as Director
Christina Velasquez is the new Director of Education and Research at Sports ETA. Courtesy Sports ETA fiveInnati, Ohio——Sports ETA has announced Christina Velasquez as its new director of education and research. Velasquez has nearly 10 years of experience in professional education and research. She previously served as the Director of Education for the American College of Optometry. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing Sports ETA's professional development through educational programs and research initiatives. She will also oversee the delivery of educational content, certification programs and industry research. "Christina's exceptional experience and passion for professional development make her a tremendous asset to Sports ETA. Her vision to advance education and research aligns perfectly with our mission to support sports events and tourism professionals. We are confident in her leadership will inspire innovation and drive our industry forward," said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. Velasquez will also work closely with members, subject matter experts and industry…
Ann Arbor Sports Commission unveils new logo and branding
Provided by Ann Arbor Sports Commission Ann Arbor, Michigan— The Ann Arbor Sports Commission announced the launch of a new logo and brand identity that highlight the commission’s growth, vision and commitment to producing sporting events that enrich the local community. The Sports Commission was restructured. Through the redesign, it emphasizes its mission to "be a force in creating and delivering world-class sporting events, providing opportunities for athletes and making a positive impact on communities." Its mission statement, "We Work as a Team," emphasizes a collaborative spirit, emphasizing teamwork and community involvement as fundamental elements of the organization, according to a press release from the council. This new identity aims to strengthen partnerships, attract high levels of activity and promote positive economic and social impact across the region. "We are excited to share our new logo and branding, which reflects our commitment to elevating sports tourism and working with partners to deliver exceptional experiences," said Meaghan Hughes, director of the…
NAIA announces host sites for 2025 and 2026 men’s golf tournaments
TPC Deere Run is located in Silvis, IL. Provided by NAIA.org Kansas City, Missouri—The National Association of Interscholastic Athletics (NAIA) has selected TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., along with Visit Quad Cities and St. Ambrose University in Iowa, as host sites for the 2025 and 2026 NAIA men's golf national championships. TPC Deere Run, owned and operated by the PGA, is an 18-hole golf course located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. "TPC Deere Run's combination of visual beauty and strategic challenge makes it one of the best golf courses in the country," said NAIA Championship Director Austin Bennett.The 2025 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship is scheduled for May 20-23. It features four rounds of stroke play involving up to 30 teams and 156 golfers. All national championship teams are composed of five players, and the top four daily scorers will count toward the team's ranking. In addition to team awards, each golfer competes for an individual national…
Lasso Safe and Players Health announce strategic partnership
Courtesy of Lasso Safe Naples, Florida/Minneapolis, Minnesota.—Lasso Safe, developer of the Sports Health Platform, intelligent software for athlete safety, has partnered with Players Health to enhance athlete safety. The partnership integrates SWP into Players Health products targeting youth sports, fitness programs and K-12 school customers. It aims to improve athlete safety by providing insights into the mental, emotional, physical and social well-being of participants. "Partnering with SWP allows Players Health to redefine what it means to protect young athletes, viewing it not only as a moral obligation but also as a strategic advantage," said Kyle Lubrano, Chief Mission Officer, Players Health. "By leveraging SWP in the athlete experience With expertise in identification, we can help sports programs create safer, more supportive environments that make athletes healthier and businesses more sustainable. This partnership represents our commitment to fostering a culture where safety and success go hand in hand. ” This collaboration is expected to bring a safer and more sustainable sports…
Premier League Rugby Sevens team breaks record at All-Stars tournament
About 5,000 fans gathered to watch the PR7 game. Provided by Premier Rugby Sevens Portland, Oregon—— Rugby Super Sevens (PR7) attracted a record crowd of around 5,000 fans at the 2024 PR7 All-Star Championship at Providence Park on 17 November. Ticket sales were up 39% from the previous record, and revenue was up 49%. PR7 competed in six professional competitions, including the U.S. and Canadian national teams, 25 Olympians, and nine medalists at the Paris Olympics. Four PR7s players - Peter Sio Jr., Autumn LoCicero, Autumn Czaplicki and Alyssa Porter - made their national team debuts, and the event marked the first official partnership between PR7s and Rugby Canada (PR7s has been sponsored by Rugby Canada since 2021 sanctioned by the NFL). “The success of the PR7s All-Star Championship shows that rugby has come to America,” said Owen Scannell, CEO of Premier Rugby Sevens. "The record-breaking attendance and global broadcast reach clearly shows that this summer has changed the game…
U.S. Paralympians and injured warriors join Hartford Ski Resort
A snowboarder performs at the 2023 Hartford Ski Event. Courtesy Mobile United Denver, Colorado——No. 38th The annual Hartford Ski Extravaganza, presented by Move United, will be held December 8-14 in Breckenridge, Colo., with more than 800 people including first-time skiers and Paralympians attending . The Hartford Ski Extravaganza is one of the oldest winter sports festivals for people with physical disabilities. The competition, held at Breckenridge Ski Area and Beaver Run Resort, will feature participants competing in six adaptive sports, including snowboarding, Nordic skiing and sled hockey. This year, several injured veterans who will represent the United States at the first Invictus Winter Games in 2025 will participate in the event and train and improve their skills. In addition, more than 60 wounded veterans, service members, dependents and military medical personnel from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center, as well as veterans from approximately a dozen VA and communities across the United States Participate…
Westfield Chatham Hills to host LIV Golf Tournament in Indianapolis
Chatham Hill in Westfield. Courtesy of the City of Westfield WESTFIELD, IN -- The City of Westfield and Chatham Hills Club will host the LIV Indianapolis Golf Tournament from August 15-17, 2025. The event will showcase some of the biggest stars in golf, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith Smith).Over the course of three days, players will compete in individual and team competitions for the 2025 LIV Golf League individual championship title, the final seat in the 2025 individual standings, and the seeds for the team championship.“We are excited to bring LIV Golf to Westfield and Indiana for the first time,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “Not only is the city known for hosting major tournaments at Grand Park almost every weekend during the summer, but Chatham Hill is also known for hosting top golf tournaments, most recently including the MAC College Championship, which we know will be spectacular competition".Fans can look forward to interactive experiences and…
Astrodome Reserve unveils new redevelopment plan
The Astrodome opened in 1965 and was home to the MLB Astros and NFL Oilers. Photo: Getty Images Houston, Texas——The Astrodome Conservancy has unveiled its vision to the people of Houston and Harris County: The Astrodome, a redevelopment plan to breathe new life into the world's first domed stadium.The Astrodome opened in 1965 and was home to the MLB Astros and NFL Oilers. However, it has sat idle for more than 15 years after closing in 2009 after the Astros left in 1999. Last year, the Astrodome Conservancy asked Gensler Architects to develop a design for the stadium. The design they created provides 450,000 square feet of revenue-generating space across four buildings within the Astrodome, with flexible event and entertainment venue space at the center and surrounding restaurant, retail, office and commercial, hotel and cultural spaces. A tree-lined avenue connects the dome to adjacent facilities within NRG Park.“The Astrodome can and should be the heart of NRG Park’s new global…
Move United wins USOPC Golden Circle Award
Paralympic athlete Tyler "TC" Carter (right) presents the 2024 Golden Ring Award to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to inspire United's competition manager Jessie Cloy and Paralympic medalist (left) and competition director Susan Rossi (center). Photos provided by Mobile United Rockville, Maryland——Move United, an organization that provides community sports and recreation for people with disabilities, has been awarded the 2024 Golden Circle Award by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which will be presented at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Colorado Springs. The Golden Circle Award recognizes an individual or organization dedicated to helping children develop and reach their highest potential, and helping them achieve their Olympic or Paralympic dreams. Move United was recognized for its sanctioned competition, the largest network of adaptive sports competitive opportunities in the United States. This year, approximately 2,311 adaptive athletes of all ages and performance levels competed in 34 multi-sport events in 24 different states, including disabled veterans, youth,…
Snohomish Youth Soccer Club acquires USL Division II
Provided by Snohomish County Sports Commission snohomish, wash— Snohomish United has officially joined the USL League Two for the upcoming 2025 season. This marks a major milestone for the youth soccer club and its community, bringing pre-professional soccer to Snohomish County and providing a platform for the country’s young players to showcase their talents nationally. Snohomish United will now compete in the nation's top professional prep league. The USL Division II is a pathway for college players and young talents to the professional level. As part of the Northwest Division, USL Snohomish Division II teams will face stiff competition from other area clubs to further elevate the level of local soccer. The club will continue to develop young talent as always, but local fans can now look forward to matchday action. “Joining USL Division II is a big step forward for our club,” said Snohomish United President Chris Miller. "This move gives local talent the opportunity to compete at a…
Erie Sports Commission awards MLB state grant
Courtesy of Phoenix Moore of the Professional Fishing League of America Erie, Pennsylvania—The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced that the Erie Sports Commission was awarded a $45,000 Sports Marketing and Tourism Initiative (SMAT) grant to help offset the costs of hosting the Major League Fishing (MLF). In August 2024, 24 professional anglers from around the world traveled to Erie to compete in the Professional Fishing League General Tire Team Series B&W Trailer Hitch Challenge Cup presented by Toyota. The event lasted for six days and was broadcast live for more than 40 hours. In January, more videos will air every Saturday afternoon on the Outdoor Channel in a six-part series with each episode lasting two hours, totaling 72 hours of additional video. The purpose of the SMAT program is to help attract amateur and professional sporting events to Pennsylvania, with the goal of capitalizing on the influx of tourism that often comes with hosting major events. "It…
Atlanta Braves have best overall experience in majors
Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. Photo: Getty Images ATLANTA, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves earned first place in Major League Baseball’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer (VOC) program with more than 3 million fans cheering in the stands during the season. The organization ranks No. 1 in overall guest experience, benefits and non-game entertainment. The league-wide survey asked fans to rate in-game entertainment, dining, parking and interaction with game-day staff in categories such as games. “We are delighted that the time and effort our organization has invested in creating a great game day experience at Truist Park has been met with such a positive response,” said Hannah Basinger, senior vice president of operations for the Atlanta Braves. “We continue to listen to our fans and push ourselves to think about how we can best serve everyone who comes into our stadium – from season ticket holders to families taking their kids to the first game. Providing the best…
NSGA names Tulsa, Okla., and Birmingham, Ala., as hosts
Senior track and field competition at the National Senior Games. Provided by National Senior Sports Association Clearwater, Florida——The National Senior Games (NSGA) announced that Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Birmingham, Alabama, will host the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games. This is the first time the tournament has been held in Tulsa, but it is Birmingham's return following the 2017 tournament. According to the 2023 Olympics, more than 11,500 athletes aged 50-100+ will compete in more than 25 sports over two weeks, generating an estimated $32 million in economic impact. “We are excited to partner with leaders in Tulsa and Birmingham to bring the National Senior Games to these booming sports destinations. Our athletes will enjoy the great opportunities these cities have to offer,” said NSGA President and CEO Susan Hlavacek. Venues, unique attractions, thriving culture and convenient location. “Interest in senior athletics events is growing in cities across the country and we are seeing this reflected in a strong hosting bid…
Greensboro to add 40 pickleball courts in early 2025
Play pickleball at Greensboro's new indoor courts. Courtesy of Joey Kirkman, Greensboro Complex Greensboro, North Carolina – Greensboro will have one of the largest portable indoor pickleball facilities in the United States The Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (GACVB) Board of Directors recently approved the purchase of 40 state-of-the-art pickleball courts for the Greensboro Complex. Some of them have already arrived at the center and the rest are expected to arrive early next year. This initiative is part of the GACVB's wider mission to enhance the city's sporting profile. Pickleball is America's fastest growing sport for all ages and skill levels, combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Pickleball participation is surging and will increase 233.5% by 2023, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. “We are always looking for ways to make Championship Town bigger and more vibrant,” said Henri Fourrier, GACVB President and CEO. "This investment allows us to recruit and host the largest and…
YMCA National Gymnastics Championships and Invitational Wins Honors
Photo courtesy of Valley Forge Tourism MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. – Sports Destination Management has announced the 2024 Sports Tourism Economic Impact Champion Awards. This year's winners include the YMCA National Gymnastics Championships and Invitational, presented by the Willow Grove YMCA in partnership with Valley Forge Sports, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Villanova University. These honorees contributed more than $1.88 billion to the national economy over the past year. This past June, the YMCA National Gymnastics Championships and Invitational were held in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It is the largest indoor event ever held in the region, bringing more than 1,900 gymnasts from 81 YMCAs across the country to the region and generating an estimated $7 million in economic impact. The event is held at two different venues: Villanova University and the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. “This event is a great example of how sport can bring communities together. Through this event we are able to reach out to different parts…
KemperSports hires Jennifer Cushman as regional sales and
Photo courtesy of Kemper Sports. Northbrook, Illinois—KemperSports hires Jennifer Cushman as regional sales and marketing director. Cushman will oversee marketing activities and support for KemperSports-owned and managed properties in Texas and the West Coast. Cushman joined golf, sports, entertainment and hospitality company KemperSports in 2021 as director of sales and marketing for Buffalo Creek Golf Club and Chandler Yacht Club, two facilities managed by KemperSports in Rockwall, Texas. During this time, she drove marketing campaigns and local events for the hotels she supported. She also has 14 years of experience in the sports and hospitality industries. "We are excited to bring Jennifer's energy and leadership to our growing home office marketing team," said Keith Karem, senior vice president of KemperSports. “Jennifer’s experience working with field teams will bring great perspective and support to the hotels she oversees.”
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