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Commissioner Brown - Tourism Development - To Appropriate $23,179.08 from Tourism Reserve Funds to Host the 2027 NC Dixie Youth Softball State Tournament
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STAFF CONTACT
Michael Applegate - Parks, Recreation & Tourism - 704-922-2162
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
Tourism Fund: Increase fund balance appropriation by $23,179.08. Increase operating expenditures by $23,179.08.
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BACKGROUND
In partnership with Gastonia Parks & Recreation, we could host the 2027 NC Dixie Youth Softball Tournament from July 8 - 13, 2027 and bring approximately 45 teams across six different age groups to Gaston County to play at Ferguson and Martha Rivers parks. We anticipate approximately 35 teams traveling from outside 50 miles, generating an estimated $961,227 visitor spending impact for the local tourism economy.
To host the tournament, scoreboard upgrades are needed for the four fields at Ferguson Park. Staff has received three quotes, with the lowest quote being $23,179.08 for all four scoreboards. Tourism Development will cover this purchase, while Gastonia Parks & Recreation will manage installation, in addition to field improvements that have recently been completed on all four Ferguson Park fields. In return, Gaston County Tourism will be promoted on site at Ferguson and Martha Rivers parks.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Budget Change Request (BCR), Price Quote, Event Impact Summary