Saturday, February 22
Lawrence Business Magazine LLC
Lawrence Business Magazine LLC
2017 Third Quarter - Sports Impact

Lawrence Sports Facilities – A Field of Dreams?

By on 153 Comments
Lawrence Sports Facilities – A Field of Dreams?

Athletes and tourists alike are flocking to Lawrence to utilize its state-of-the-art sports facilities.

| 2017 Q3 | story by BJ Harris, photos by Steven Hertzog
City of Lawrence

Rock Chalk Park

Has Lawrence become a field of dreams? While it’s not quite that simple, that has certainly been the case for sports facilities in Lawrence and Douglas County. The area’s premiere sports facilities, such as Rock Chalk Park, Rim Rock Farm and the Sports Pavilion Lawrence, are attracting youth and amateur athletes from across the nation. And those athletes and their families are contributing a great deal to the local economy.

According to the National Association of Sports Commissions, estimated visitor spending associated with sports events was $9.45 billion in 2015. In Kansas, sports tourism has seen tremendous growth, as well, with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) committed to hosting 25 regional and national championships in the state during the next five years. Those events have an economic impact of more than $50 million and include the NCAA Cross Country Regional and NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Prelims, coming to Lawrence in 2020. Visitor spending includes money spent on entry fees, equipment and venue rental, but also accounts for meals, retail shopping, lodging and travel costs. And, the good news for communities such as Lawrence that have invested in sports tourism is that it’s growing.

City

Dr. Sheahon Zenger addresses the Junior Olympic athletes on opening night at Rock Chalk Park.

The Hardwood Classic, held annually at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, brings in $2.5 million in visitor spending and more than $400,000 in local taxes. Not to mention national attention—some of the best basketball prospects will make their first, but hopefully not their last, trips to Lawrence. This past winter, Heart of America Volleyball tournaments, also held at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, totaled nearly $10 million in visitor spending during the course of 11 tournaments from January to April. That event shows the diversity of Sports Pavilion Lawrence as well as the diversity of potential events in Lawrence.

In addition to the financial gains, a strong youth and amateur sports market can have a positive impact on the overall image of the community. Just as universities often view their athletic programs as the “welcome mat” to the college, sports events can offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase all of the great amenities in a community.

City

Olympian and multiple Gold medal winner Carl Lewis encourages the young athletes to respect their competition.

During the Junior Olympics, organizations such as Downtown Lawrence, the Watkins Museum of History, eXplore Lawrence, The University of Kansas and more came together to create opportunities for thousands of visitors to get out and enjoy the community. These efforts not only create additional opportunities for economic impact but also can turn visitors into future marketers. A positive visitor experience can send participants back into the world spreading good news about all of the great things to see and do in Lawrence, Kansas.

Likewise, sports events can add to a sense of community. Even the smallest events still require an immense amount of collaboration across the community. This can lead to new relationships, business partnerships and additional opportunities for nonprofit and for-profit organizations alike. In some cases, sports events have been credited with the development of new businesses, creating unique opportunities for enterprising entrepreneurs. Bringing together volunteers and businesses can create an emotional impact that will be evident long after the trophies have been lifted.

With tremendous community support and the leap of faith made by community leaders to invest in world-class facilities, Lawrence is positioned to become a major player in the sports tourism industry. The recent successes are proof that we have become a field of dreams for sporting events, but now that organizations have seen excellent event execution and a strong commitment by local leaders, volunteers, the university and community members, the goal is to entice them to continue coming back.

City of Lawrence
Share.

Related Posts

153 Comments

  1. 온라인베팅 on

    After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment.
    There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service?
    Cheers!

  5. dafabets on

    Hi there, I found your blog by way of Google at the same time as looking for a
    comparable subject, your site came up, it appears good.

    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just become aware of your weblog through Google, and found that
    it’s really informative. I am gonna be careful for
    brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Lots of other people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  7. Lotto Champ reviews on

    Hey there! I’ve been reading your website for
    some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from
    Dallas Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!

  9. 안전놀이터 on

    Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Finding the time and actual effort
    to create a really good article… but what can I say…
    I hesitate a whole lot and never seem to get
    anything done.

  12. I love buying boats at https://boatgurus.io/boats-for-sale/tampa-fl on

    There’s nothing like the thrill of speeding across the water in a well-maintained boat. Whether it’s a sleek speedboat or a jet-powered vessel, performance boats offer an adrenaline rush. When buying a boat, consider factors like horsepower, fuel efficiency, and handling. Test-driving a boat before purchasing can help you understand how it feels on the water. The right boat will make every trip a thrilling experience.

  13. Electric vehicle fire statistics on

    I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well
    as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is
    rare to see a nice blog like this one today.

  15. U888 on

    Next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn’t fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I actually thought you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

  17. genderuwo on

    I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your
    blog. It appears as if some of the written text on your
    content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me
    know if this is happening to them as well? This
    may be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.

    Many thanks

  18. U888 on

    Having read this I believed it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile.

  24. Get More Info on

    I will immediately grasp your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link
    or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me know so that I may just subscribe.

    Thanks.

  25. I love buying boats at https://boatgurus.io/boats-for-sale/tampa-fl on

    Boat maintenance is essential to keep your vessel in top condition. Regularly checking the engine, cleaning the hull, and inspecting safety equipment can prevent costly repairs. Using the right marine coatings can protect the boat from saltwater damage. Proper winterization helps prevent damage during the off-season. A well-maintained boat lasts longer and provides a safer and more enjoyable experience.

  27. CG on

    Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone
    during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait
    to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your
    blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..

    Anyhow, great site!

  29. ga6789 on

    An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast simply because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this matter here on your site.

  30. MinSwap trading on

    Discover the power of MinSwap, the leading decentralized exchange platform offering seamless trading and low fees. Maximize your assets and join the next generation of decentralized finance

  31. CowSwap swap rates on

    Discover CowSwap, the trusted decentralized exchange platform for seamless crypto trades in 2025. With low fees, high security, and fast transactions, CowSwap is a go-to solution for DeFi users worldwide

  33. vehicle on

    Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins
    to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked
    hard on. Any recommendations?

  34. CowSwap staking platform on

    Discover CowSwap, the trusted decentralized exchange platform for seamless crypto trades in 2025. With low fees, high security, and fast transactions, CowSwap is a go-to solution for DeFi users worldwide

  36. no kyc casinos on

    Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Keep up the fantastic work!

  41. I love buying boats at https://boatgurus.io/boats-for-sale/tampa-fl on

    Selling a boat requires proper preparation to attract buyers. Cleaning, servicing, and taking high-quality photos can make a big difference. Listing the boat with a detailed description and highlighting key features helps it stand out. Pricing it competitively based on market value ensures a faster sale. Transparency about the boat’s condition builds trust with buyers. A well-presented boat sells quickly and at a good price.

  42. Read Full Article on

    Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

  46. بهترین سایت شرط بندی on

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
    widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
    something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  48. webpage on

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
    I am quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here!

    Good luck for the next!

  49. เบทฟิก19 on

    Betflix 19
    I am really loving the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?

    A small number of my blog visitors have complained about
    my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks
    great in Opera. Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?

  52. sex tre em on

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button!
    I’d certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my
    Google account. I look forward to new updates and will
    share this website with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

  56. 789bet on

    My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for
    about a year and am worried about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  60. apply for e-visa new zealand on

    Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  63. Nearest Edge on

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this,
    such as you wrote the ebook in it or something.
    I believe that you just could do with some percent to power the message house a bit, however
    other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read.
    I’ll certainly be back.

  64. MinSwap platform on

    Discover the power of MinSwap, the leading decentralized exchange platform offering seamless trading and low fees. Maximize your assets and join the next generation of decentralized finance

  66. CowSwap node setup on

    Discover CowSwap, the trusted decentralized exchange platform for seamless crypto trades in 2025. With low fees, high security, and fast transactions, CowSwap is a go-to solution for DeFi users worldwide

  67. Woofi Finance platform on

    Discover the future of decentralized finance with Woofi Finance, a cutting-edge platform for seamless crypto staking and yield farming. Maximize your returns with low fees and high rewards. Join the revolution in DeFi today!

  68. CowSwap transaction speed on

    Discover CowSwap, the trusted decentralized exchange platform for seamless crypto trades in 2025. With low fees, high security, and fast transactions, CowSwap is a go-to solution for DeFi users worldwide

  71. I love buying boats at https://boatgurus.io/boats-for-sale/tampa-fl on

    Fishing boats are popular among anglers who want direct access to the best fishing spots. These boats often come equipped with rod holders, fish finders, and live wells to enhance the fishing experience. Some fishing boats are small and designed for solo use, while larger models can accommodate groups. Offshore fishing boats are built for deep waters and rough conditions, making them ideal for catching big game fish. Freshwater fishing boats are usually smaller and suited for lakes and rivers. The choice depends on where and how you plan to fish.

  74. hotelsikkimaurora on

    You could definitely see your skills in the article you
    write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to
    say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

  77. buy Seo Visits on

    Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I am inspired!
    Extremely helpful info particularly the last phase 🙂 I maintain such info a lot.
    I was looking for this certain information for a very lengthy time.

    Thanks and best of luck.

  79. CowSwap governance model on

    Discover CowSwap, the trusted decentralized exchange platform for seamless crypto trades in 2025. With low fees, high security, and fast transactions, CowSwap is a go-to solution for DeFi users worldwide

  80. 토토사이트 on

    I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of area .

    Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website.
    Studying this information So i’m satisfied to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling
    I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much surely will make sure to do not disregard this website and provides it a glance regularly.

  81. Woofi Finance investment on

    Discover the future of decentralized finance with Woofi Finance, a cutting-edge platform for seamless crypto staking and yield farming. Maximize your returns with low fees and high rewards. Join the revolution in DeFi today!

  82. CowSwap liquidity on

    Discover CowSwap, the trusted decentralized exchange platform for seamless crypto trades in 2025. With low fees, high security, and fast transactions, CowSwap is a go-to solution for DeFi users worldwide

  85. Best Coaching Institute in Amritsar on

    Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments?
    If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

  90. bokep indonesia viral on

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly
    the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  98. 토토 on

    Today, I went to the beach front with my children.
    I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said
    “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
    She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and
    it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely
    off topic but I had to tell someone!

  99. 텐텐벳사이트 on

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account
    your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access
    consistently rapidly.

  101. youtube download 9.3 5 on

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted
    to say fantastic blog!

  104. click here on

    Hello! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you
    using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had
    problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  108. instagram download pdf on

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about
    this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you
    can do with a few pics to drive the message home a
    bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A fantastic read.
    I’ll certainly be back.

  110. plumber on

    Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
    I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.

    I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  114. Speed gates on

    I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. appreciate it

  127. article source on

    First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you
    do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
    your mind prior to writing. I have had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.
    I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems
    like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally
    lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
    Thanks!

  129. Facial recognition on

    great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  131. Zolin Tex on

    Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my
    apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple
    ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it
    with someone!

  134. everythingbhi on

    Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your
    website, how could i subscribe for a weblog web site?
    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this your
    broadcast offered brilliant clear concept

  139. additional info on

    Great post. I used to be checking continuously this
    blog and I am inspired! Extremely useful information particularly the remaining section 🙂 I maintain such information a lot.
    I used to be seeking this certain info for a very lengthy time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  143. Cancoin on

    I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have been utilizing?
    I’m having some small security issues with my latest blog and I would like to find something
    more secure. Do you have any solutions?

  144. Cancoin on

    Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a
    blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable
    deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your
    broadcast provided bright clear idea

  148. look at this on

    I was pretty pleased to uncover this website. I want to to thank you
    for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely really liked
    every little bit of it and i also have you book marked to
    see new information on your web site.

  153. Electric strikes on

    Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

Leave A Reply

Contact to Listing Owner

Captcha Code