1. SPORTS MARKETING Springfield Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau WWW.SPRINGFIELDMOSPORTS.COM

2. CVB Efforts The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau hired a full time sales person to focus on the Sports Market in 1997. The CVB had to create a Sports Facility Guide to market our facilities and research what sports associations were active in the Springfield area. Prospect for local and regional “Local Organizing Committees” that are registered with the sports associations in the Springfield area to see if there are events they would like to host in Springfield. –Park Board –Local Sports Groups & Clubs (Soccer, Softball, Basketball) –Local facility owners and managers One of the first large successful events brought to Springfield through these efforts was the 1999 AAU Girls 12 & Under National Basketball Tournament. Since then we have worked with local groups to win bids to host events such as: –MYSA State Cup Soccer in 2001 and 2004 –USYSA Region II Soccer Championships in 2000 –ASA State, regional and national softball tournaments –USSSA State and regional softball, baseball and basketball tournaments –USA Hockey and USA Tennis tournaments –Missouri State High School Activities Association State Golf and Tennis Tournaments –Missouri Woman’s & Men’s State Bowling Tournament –AAU Boys & Girls National Basketball Championship Tournaments

3. The Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission efforts In 1998, the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and members of the Springfield community worked to form the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission. The first board of directors meeting was August 1999. The function of the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission is to: –Assist local groups in finding facilities needed to host events –Loan up front bid fees when needed –Help with marketing the event to the local public. Become a clearinghouse for local youth and amateur sporting events in the Springfield area: –Web site with local association and facility contact information –Newsletter to promote events to local businesses –Calendar of events to help when planning future events The Sports Commission operating budget is around $80,000 a year