Sports Tourism

By Ally Azzarelli Across the country, municipal governments are rethinking how they deliver services. Tight budgets, aging infrastructure, and rising community expectations are pushing cities and counties to explore third-party management as a strategic solution rather than a last resort. From parks and recreation departments to large sports and event

How to Build a Safe Sports Venue According to the National Safety Council, “in 2024, 4.4 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving sports and recreational equipment. The activities most frequently associated with injuries are exercise, cycling, and basketball.” With that in mind, creating a sports facility

Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Program Frameworks Inclusive sports programming is no longer a niche offering. It is a core expectation of communities that every resident, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels welcome on the court, field, or track. By investing in adaptive and inclusive frameworks, facilities aren’t just doing

According to SFC Partner, Eric Sullivan, “Modern sports facilities are not just for tournaments — they are catalysts for daily activity, placemaking, and community pride.” It’s also important to note that the path to funding and creating a winning sports facility is a collaborative effort. “Land is currency. When cities

By Ally Azzarelli Community‑First, Destination‑Also: Operating an Inclusive Venue for Residents and Visitors At the heart of every successful community-first venue is one clear principle: accessibility for all. At Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater in Albertville, Alabama, this principle is brought to life through affordable memberships, day passes, and youth

By Ally Azzarelli The Experience Economy Comes to Sports Tourism Sports travelers are buying more that game time — they’re buying special moments they won’t soon forget. The experience economy, the “sale” of memorable experiences, has moved from retail into sports tourism, reshaping how destinations attract events, turn visitors into

Sports Destination Management’s 2025 Champions of Economic Impact list is out—and our venues helped power several of the nation’s standout wins. Collectively, the honorees generated an estimated $1.422 billion in economic impact and 812,518 room nights across their communities, underscoring how purpose-built venues, great events, and a dialed-in guest experience

By Ally Azzarelli Great programming helps turn buildings into gathering places where core connections are made. It meets real community needs, stands apart in a crowded market, and gives families a reason to return week after week. The most successful recreation centers start with a clear view of their audience,

By Ally Azzarelli Designing for Success Youth sports facilities are no longer just recreational spaces — they’re engines for economic development, catalysts for tourism, and anchors for vibrant communities. Today’s most successful sports facilities are far beyond places to host games — they serve as community hubs, economic catalysts, and