OP-ED | Sports as an Economic Generator for Central Kentucky
Lexington, KY - Sports play an integral part in the lives of millions of Americans, and Kentucky is no different. Maybe it's cheering on the Wildcats. Or maybe it's watching our children play youth sports. Or maybe it's living and dying on every pitch thrown in the World Series. Yes, that's what most of us think about when we think of sports.But it can be more than that for central Kentucky. In fact, it already is more than that. Sports are one of the largest single sectors of tourism for our region, and we have room to grow. Sports events bring tens of thousands of people to the area every year — people who stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop in our stores and visit our attractions.
A great example is the FHTM Bluegrass State Games. In its 27th year, this event brings more than $6 million into our local economy every summer. More than 16,000 participants descend on central Kentucky venues annually to compete from all over the state. Approximately 75 percent of the participants are youths under age 18, with the balance being adults of all ages. The Games are a terrific catalyst for our economy and an example of what events can do for our community. Many people don't realize what a terrific impact the Games have had on this area.
The value of sports tourism in not just found in large international events like the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Alltech Games was an iconic moment in our history, but much of the impact is found in the aggregate of activity generated in smaller events, such as youth tournaments, collegiate championships, high school tournaments, etc.
To recruit and host any events takes a concerted recruitment effort and close coordination between entities such as sports commissions, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), venues, event owners and hotel communities. Some events happen because a local league or club takes it upon themselves to host a tournament at their field or complex. But most require a strategic, concerted sales effort that requires months of work to land an event or series of events.
In 2010, officials merged the Lexington Area Sports Authority and the Bluegrass State Games organizations into a new, united, nonprofit organization named the Bluegrass Sports Commission (BSC). The BSC has as its mission to be an economic catalyst by bringing more events to central Kentucky. There are more than 300 sports commissions in the United States currently.
Lexington Convention Center - News
The families of fallen first responders broke ground Tuesday at the Columbia Convention Center for a memorial that will honor the first responders who died in the line of duty in both the 9/11 attacks and throughout the Midlands.
Led by Mayor Gray's task force, Lexington is in the middle of a discussion about how to address the future of Rupp Arena and the Lexington Convention Center. We also have terrific venues like the Kentucky Basketball Academy, our colleges and
Sutphin, a hematology/oncology pharmacy specialist, was UK's candidate and the only candidate from the Lexington area. During her 10-week campaign, she raised $21388, which will go directly to the society for blood cancer research and patient services.
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The power of that effort will be seen starting Monday, when the annual League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) convention opens at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Organizers say the convention, which runs through July 2,
Lexington Hotel University Convention Center
Location. Lexington Hotel University Convention Center is located in Auburn, close to Jules Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Jordan Hare Stadium, and Auburn University. Nearby points of interest also include Chewacla State Park and Telfair Peet Theater. Hotel Features. Lexington Hotel University Convention Center's restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast. This 2.5 star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms and business services. High speed Internet access is available in public areas. This Auburn property has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, a ballroom, and exhibit space. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Guestrooms. There are 121 guestrooms at Lexington Hotel University Convention Center. Guestrooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Complimentary Internet access is provided. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer complimentary local calls (restrictions may apply). Rooms also include coffee/tea makers, blackout drapes/curtains, electronic/magnetic keys, and irons/ironing boards. Guests may request refrigerators, microwaves, and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: US$ 10 per day The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
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