The Economic Impact of Synthetic Turf Fields In the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County

Why It Makes Sense… And Dollars… To Support Synthetic Turf Fields?  Increases Tourism Dollars

Who Benefits From Increased Tourism?  Hotels  Restaurants  Retailers  City/County Tax Coffers

How Do Localities Use Sports Venues To Increase Tourism?  Creation of Sports Marketing Groups

Economic Impact of Sports in Virginia Localities  Virginia Beach  Salem  Richmond

Virginia Beach  The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau Sports Marketing Division announced that they would be hosting the USA Field Hockey Indoor Tournament that was projected to bring 1650 coaches and athletes to Virginia Beach.  Buddy Wheeler(Virginia Beach sports marketing coordinator) said, “It has been our goal, and will continue to be our goal,to bring in events like this that make a significant economic impact and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Virginia Beach”

Salem  Roanoke Valley Convention& Visitors Bureau announced 10 major sporting events that will attract more than 30,000 people. The Bureau anticipates that the visitors to the events will spend over $12 million dollars.  Dave Kjolhede, the bureau’s executive director estimated that tournament participant/visitor spending is based on a daily,per person amount between $120 and $150.The higher figure is calculated for youth tournaments,which typically attract players parents and siblings.

Richmond  The Virginia High School League Boys/Girls State Basketball Championships is estimated to attract 10,000 attendees over a three day period generating over $1,000,000 in revenues.  The Richmond SunTrust Marathon attracted 33,000 Participants and generated over $8,000,000 in revenues.

Facilities  UVA Baseball,Softball&Turf Field Facilities  4 Proposed Synthetic Turf Fields  Albemarle, Charlottesville, Monticello and Western Albemarle High Schools  Boars Head Inn Tennis Facility  12 Indoor Basketball Courts  UVa Aquatic Center  Panarama Farm(Cross Country)  John Paul Jones Arena

Projection Of Sporting Events That Could Be Held In The Charlottesville/Albemarle Area  Youth Soccer Tournaments (2): 50 teams totaling 2000 participants. Estimated revenue: $150 per participant - $300,000  Youth Baseball/Softball Tournaments (3): 20 teams totaling 900 participants. Estimated revenue: $150 per participant - $135,000  Field Hockey Tournaments (2): 40 teams totaling 1000 participants. Estimated revenue: $150 per participant - $150,000  Youth Lacrosse Tournament (2): 40 teams totaling 1000 participants. Estimated revenue: $150 per participants -$150,000

 Youth Football Tournaments: 20 Teams totaling 600 participants. Estimated revenue: $90,000  The Virginia High School League Spring Jubilee State Championships: $50,000 to $100,000  The Virginia high School league Group A State Football Championships: $100,000  Group AA/AAA Swim Championships: $150,000 Projection Of Sporting Events That Could Be Held In The Charlottesville/Albemarle Area

Funding Sources  $975,000 Private Donor  $440,000 Private Donors  $225,000 (identified by Albemarle County Parks and Recreation, approved by BOS)  Total to date $1,640,000

Total Costs of Fields  $600,000 Per School  Total Cost $1,800,000

Construction Time table  Feb 2009: Construct 2 Fields  May 2009: Construct 2 Fields

What do we need from local business community?  50 Businesses To each donate $3,000 (tax deductible)

Community Benefits  Increased Local Tax Revenue  Increase In Jobs Due To Tourism  24/7 Athletic Facilities For Community Use