June 9, 2003

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG: AMATEUR SPORTS CAPITAL OF THE SOUTH?

Park and Recreation Commission To Develop Marketing Recommendations

Charlotte, N.C. - In an effort to lure more amateur athletes and sporting events to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and the dollars that follow, the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission is developing a set of recommendations to present to local City and County leaders.

On Tuesday, June 10, 2003, the full Park and Recreation Commission will hear recommendations from commissioners Larry Huelsman and Thomas Sykes to boost convention and leisure tourism as it relates to amateur sporting events. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Park and Recreation Department's Administrative Office Building at 5841 Brookshire Boulevard in Charlotte. The agenda item is timed for presentation at 6:30 p.m.

The recommendations include:

· Recognizing the existing economic impact of local amateur athletic and sporting events.

· Developing a countywide marketing plan to maximize these amateur events.

· Developing an inventory of amateur athletic and sporting events.

· Marketing Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as the Amateur Sports Capital of the South.

It is estimated that the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department generates approximately $10 million per year for the local economy through the various amateur athletic and sporting events it brings into the community. During the 2000 National Softball Association's World Series for Girls Fast-pitch Softball Tournament, more than $20 million was brought in by local retail, restaurant, lodging and other businesses. This national event was coordinated in partnership by the Mecklenburg County and City of Rock Hill, SC, Departments of Park and Recreation.