economic impact with sports in connecticut

8/14/2019 Economic Impact with Sports in Connecticut

1/28

Report to the Commerce CommitteeReport to the Commerce Committee

of the Connecticut Legislatureof the Connecticut Legislature

by the States Sports Advisory Boardby the States Sports Advisory Board

Lynn CarlottoLynn Carlotto

Arena at Harbor Yard, GMArena at Harbor Yard, GM

Gene DorisGene Doris

Fairfield University, ADFairfield University, AD

Anne WorcesterAnne Worcester

Pilot Pen Tennis, Tournament DirectorPilot Pen Tennis, Tournament Director

February 9, 2010February 9, 2010


2/28

2008 Womens NCAA Division I2008 Womens NCAA Division I1st and 2nd Rounds Basketball Tournament1st and 2nd Rounds Basketball Tournament

March 23 & 25, 2008March 23 & 25, 2008

Arena at Harbor Yard, BridgeportArena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport

Fairfield University (Host)Fairfield University (Host)

8 Schools, 8 teams8 Schools, 8 teams

Attendance: 17,739Attendance: 17,739 Hotel Room nights: 1,100Hotel Room nights: 1,100

Economic impact: $2.1MEconomic impact: $2.1M

TV coverage: ESPNTV coverage: ESPN


3/28

Womens BIG EAST BasketballWomens BIG EAST Basketball

Conference ChampionshipConference Championship

TournamentTournament

March 6-10, 2009March 6-10, 2009 XL Center, HartfordXL Center, Hartford

BIG EAST Conference (host)BIG EAST Conference (host)

16 schools, 16 teams16 schools, 16 teams



TV coverage: ESPN & BIG EAST NetworkTV coverage: ESPN & BIG EAST Network


4/28

Metro Atlantic AthleticMetro Atlantic Athletic

ConferenceConferenceMens & Womens Basketball Conference ChampionshipMens & Womens Basketball Conference Championship

March 1-5, 2007March 1-5, 2007 Arena at Harbor Yard, BridgeportArena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport

MAAC (host)MAAC (host)

10 schools, 20 teams (men & women)10 schools, 20 teams (men & women)



TV coverage: ESPN & MSG NetworkTV coverage: ESPN & MSG Network


5/28

America East 2010America East 2010America East (NCAA Division I) Mens & WomensAmerica East (NCAA Division I) Mens & Womens

Basketball Conference ChampionshipBasketball Conference Championship

March 4-7, 2010March 4-7, 2010

Reich Family Pavilion, University ofReich Family Pavilion, University of

HartfordHartford

America East Conference (host)America East Conference (host)

9 schools, 18 teams9 schools, 18 teams Attendance expected: 15,000Attendance expected: 15,000

Hotel Room nights expected: 3,400Hotel Room nights expected: 3,400

Economic impact expected: $1.6MEconomic impact expected: $1.6M

TV coverage: ESPN & NESNTV coverage: ESPN & NESN


6/28

Mens NCAA Div. I Ice HockeyMens NCAA Div. I Ice HockeyEast Regional 2009East Regional 2009

March 27-28, 2009March 27-28, 2009

Arena at Harbor Yard, BridgeportArena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport

Yale University and Fairfield University (co-Yale University and Fairfield University (co-

hosts)hosts)

4 schools, 4 teams4 schools, 4 teams Attendance: 14,939Attendance: 14,939

Hotel Room nights: 972Hotel Room nights: 972


TV coverage: ESPNTV coverage: ESPN


7/28

Travelers ChampionshipTravelers Championship

PGA TOUR FedExCupPGA TOUR FedExCup EventEventJune 22-28, 2009June 22-28, 2009

TPC River Highlands, CromwellTPC River Highlands, Cromwell

156 Professional Golfers from around the156 Professional Golfers from around the

worldworld


Economic impact: estimated over $20MEconomic impact: estimated over $20M

annuallyannually

TV coverage: CBS & The Golf ChannelTV coverage: CBS & The Golf Channel


8/28

Pilot Pen TennisPilot Pen TennisOlympus U.S. Open Series EventOlympus U.S. Open Series Event

on ATP World Tour & Sony Ericsson WTAon ATP World Tour & Sony Ericsson WTA

TourTour

August 21-29, 2009August 21-29, 2009 Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, NewConnecticut Tennis Center at Yale, New

HavenHaven

Over 500 professional mens and womensOver 500 professional mens and womens

players, coaches and officialsplayers, coaches and officials

Attendance: 90,000Attendance: 90,000

Hotel Room nights: 3,500Hotel Room nights: 3,500

Economic impact: exceeded $26MEconomic impact: exceeded $26M

TV coverage: CBS and ESPNTV coverage: CBS and ESPN


9/28

VISA ChampionshipsVISA ChampionshipsMens & Womens National GymnasticsMens & Womens National Gymnastics

ChampionshipsChampionships

August 11-14, 2010August 11-14, 2010

XL Center, University of Hartford,XL Center, University of Hartford,

Connecticut Convention CenterConnecticut Convention Center

775 athletes, coaches, judges, staff775 athletes, coaches, judges, staff

Attendance expected: 30,000Attendance expected: 30,000 Convention delegates: 2,100Convention delegates: 2,100

Hotel Room nights expected: 6,000Hotel Room nights expected: 6,000

Economic impact expected: $6.5MEconomic impact expected: $6.5M

TV coverage: NBC & Universal SportsTV coverage: NBC & Universal Sports


10/28

Setanta Cup ChallengeSetanta Cup ChallengeRugby 2008Rugby 2008

August 23, 2008August 23, 2008

Rentschler Field, East HartfordRentschler Field, East Hartford

225 athletes, coaches, media225 athletes, coaches, media

Attendance: 7,276Attendance: 7,276

Hotel Room nights: 1,200Hotel Room nights: 1,200 Economic impact: $1.1MEconomic impact: $1.1M

TV Coverage: ESPN & Setanta SportsTV Coverage: ESPN & Setanta Sports

Network (International)Network (International)


11/28

Connecticut Polar BearsConnecticut Polar Bears

Womens Holiday Ice HockeyWomens Holiday Ice Hockey

TournamentTournamentDecember 27-30, 2009December 27-30, 2009 Largest U.S. amateur hockey tournamentLargest U.S. amateur hockey tournament

11 ice rinks statewide11 ice rinks statewide

3,500 athletes, 225 teams from 25 states,3,500 athletes, 225 teams from 25 states,

including 3 Canadian provincesincluding 3 Canadian provinces Attendance: 6,000Attendance: 6,000

Hotel Room nights: 11,000Hotel Room nights: 11,000

Economic impact: estimated $3MEconomic impact: estimated $3M


12/28

What events can colleges andWhat events can colleges and

universities bring touniversities bring to

Connecticut?Connecticut?

Uniquely positioned to host in-season tournaments,Uniquely positioned to host in-season tournaments,

conference championships and NCAA events.conference championships and NCAA events.

Each institution has had the ability to host an eventEach institution has had the ability to host an event

individually, collectively, or in conjunction with theirindividually, collectively, or in conjunction with their

respective conference and has been successful inrespective conference and has been successful insuch efforts.such efforts.

Having them bid in competition with each other forHaving them bid in competition with each other for

the same events, particularly with NCAA events,the same events, particularly with NCAA events,

may not produce optimum results; e.g., instead ofmay not produce optimum results; e.g., instead of

getting an NCAA event in 3 of 5 years, the resultgetting an NCAA event in 3 of 5 years, the result

may only be 1 of 5 years or not at all.may only be 1 of 5 years or not at all.


13/28

Potential BiddersPotential Bidders

There are 7 NCAA Division I institutions in theThere are 7 NCAA Division I institutions in the

state encompassing 5 conferences:state encompassing 5 conferences:

UConn (BIG EAST)UConn (BIG EAST)

Central Connecticut (Northeast)Central Connecticut (Northeast)

Fairfield (Metro Atlantic Athletic)Fairfield (Metro Atlantic Athletic)

Hartford (America East)Hartford (America East)

Quinnipiac (Northeast)Quinnipiac (Northeast)

Sacred Heart (Northeast)Sacred Heart (Northeast)

Yale (Ivy)Yale (Ivy)

Collectively the relationships encompass 48Collectively the relationships encompass 48

collegiate institutions outside the state ofcollegiate institutions outside the state of

Connecticut.Connecticut.


14/28

Case StudyCase Study2012-14 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference2012-14 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

(MAAC) Mens & Womens Basketball(MAAC) Mens & Womens Basketball


The Arena at Harbor Yard in conjunctionThe Arena at Harbor Yard in conjunction

with Fairfield University successfully bid forwith Fairfield University successfully bid for

the 2008 and 2011 MAAC Mens andthe 2008 and 2011 MAAC Mens and

Womens Basketball Championships.Womens Basketball Championships.

The 2008 event was a major impact toThe 2008 event was a major impact to

Bridgeport and the surrounding area withBridgeport and the surrounding area with

approximately 2,100 room nights, 9 out ofapproximately 2,100 room nights, 9 out of

area institutions and 18 out of area mensarea institutions and 18 out of area mens

and womens teams.and womens teams.


15/28




The MAAC as other conferences and theThe MAAC as other conferences and the

NCAA now utilize consultants to assess theNCAA now utilize consultants to assess the

value of their events and assist in the bidvalue of their events and assist in the bid

process.process.

Criteria in the bid specs included primaryCriteria in the bid specs included primary

deal points:deal points:

- financial guaranteefinancial guarantee

- facilities requirementsfacilities requirements

- hotel considerationshotel considerations- amenitiesamenities

- transportation considerationstransportation considerations


16/28




Bid was for 3 years: 2012-14Bid was for 3 years: 2012-14

Arena at Harbor Yard met the bid specs.Arena at Harbor Yard met the bid specs.

The MAAC awarded the BasketballThe MAAC awarded the Basketball

Championships to the MassMutual CenterChampionships to the MassMutual Centerin Springfield, MA.in Springfield, MA.

Massachusetts Sports Partnership (MSP), aMassachusetts Sports Partnership (MSP), a

central office bringing support for allcentral office bringing support for all

venues in the state, was a critical factor invenues in the state, was a critical factor in

securing the bid for a neighboring statesecuring the bid for a neighboring statewith no ties to the MAAC.with no ties to the MAAC.


17/28




What was the motivation for a city with no ties toWhat was the motivation for a city with no ties to

the MAAC to bid?the MAAC to bid?

The CVB for Springfield estimates that the eventThe CVB for Springfield estimates that the event

will generate $4-$5 million to the local economy.will generate $4-$5 million to the local economy.

Additionally, MSP placed considerable value onAdditionally, MSP placed considerable value onthe television exposure including the Mensthe television exposure including the Mens

Championship on ESPN as collateral in bringingChampionship on ESPN as collateral in bringing

attention to Springfield.attention to Springfield.

MSP provided the support necessary to bringMSP provided the support necessary to bring

together all the necessary resources to securetogether all the necessary resources to securethe MAAC award.the MAAC award.


18/28




The LessonThe Lesson

With no central organization to ascertainWith no central organization to ascertain

that the MAAC also had an interest in athat the MAAC also had an interest in a

neutral site, an event was lost to aneutral site, an event was lost to a

neighboring state and a city 30 milesneighboring state and a city 30 miles

away.away.

A neighboring state secured an event thatA neighboring state secured an event that

is expected to bring $4-$5 million dollars inis expected to bring $4-$5 million dollars in

revenue to the local economy and nationalrevenue to the local economy and nationalattention to the host area.attention to the host area.


19/28

Impact of HostingImpact of Hosting

Major Collegiate EventsMajor Collegiate Events

Positive economic and social impact on the local communityPositive economic and social impact on the local community

during the event.during the event.

Residual economic impact: in the month preceding theResidual economic impact: in the month preceding the

NCAA Womens Basketball Regional event in 2006, TheNCAA Womens Basketball Regional event in 2006, The

Bridgeport Regional title was advanced by ESPN nationallyBridgeport Regional title was advanced by ESPN nationally

in its build-up to the event. Those free advertisingin its build-up to the event. Those free advertisingopportunities on a national platform to promote the stateopportunities on a national platform to promote the state

are difficult to quantify.are difficult to quantify.

Ancillary events like Park City SportsFest in Bridgeport,Ancillary events like Park City SportsFest in Bridgeport,

which has run in conjunction with college events the last 4which has run in conjunction with college events the last 4

years, create a community atmosphere that assists in familyyears, create a community atmosphere that assists in family

oriented entertainment that otherwise wouldnt exist.oriented entertainment that otherwise wouldnt exist.


20/28

Being competitive in the futureBeing competitive in the future

The NCAA and conferences are turning heavily to a businessThe NCAA and conferences are turning heavily to a business

model in which bidders are being judged on a higher level ofmodel in which bidders are being judged on a higher level of

revenue generation and coordination than in the past.revenue generation and coordination than in the past.

Colleges and universities are not in the business of assumingColleges and universities are not in the business of assuming

heavy financial risk and may be reluctant to bid under theheavy financial risk and may be reluctant to bid under the

new criteria.new criteria. Sports commissions have become a major factor in securingSports commissions have become a major factor in securing

collegiate events: awarding agencies like one-stop shoppingcollegiate events: awarding agencies like one-stop shopping

that connects necessary bid requirements beyond the levelthat connects necessary bid requirements beyond the level

of support provided by an arena or school.of support provided by an arena or school.


21/28

Future OpportunitiesFuture Opportunities

NCAA Mens and Womens Basketball Regional andNCAA Mens and Womens Basketball Regional and

Opening RoundsOpening Rounds

NCAA Mens and Womens LacrosseNCAA Mens and Womens Lacrosse

NCAA SoftballNCAA Softball

NCAA Cross Country ChampionshipsNCAA Cross Country Championships Numerous conference championship eventsNumerous conference championship events

U.S. Figure Skating National ChampionshipsU.S. Figure Skating National Championships

Special Olympics USA GamesSpecial Olympics USA Games

AAU Boys/Girls Basketball NationalsAAU Boys/Girls Basketball Nationals

National Senior GamesNational Senior Games

American Youth Soccer National GamesAmerican Youth Soccer National Games

National Sailing ChampionshipsNational Sailing Championships


22/28

Current State Sports IndustryCurrent State Sports IndustryConnecticut has a thriving sports industry with aConnecticut has a thriving sports industry with a

myriad of other facilities and events. Here is a samplemyriad of other facilities and events. Here is a sample

of those sports entities that provide jobs and quality ofof those sports entities that provide jobs and quality of

life to the state:life to the state: AUTO RACING - Lime Rock Park (Lakeville); Stafford Motor SpeedwayAUTO RACING - Lime Rock Park (Lakeville); Stafford Motor Speedway

(Stafford Springs); Waterford Speedbowl(Stafford Springs); Waterford Speedbowl

FAST FACT: Lime Rock has annual attendance of 100,000, is a principle economic driverFAST FACT: Lime Rock has annual attendance of 100,000, is a principle economic driver

of the NW part of the state and has 8 races televised nationally.of the NW part of the state and has 8 races televised nationally.

PRO BASEBALL - New Britain Rock Cats (Double-A affiliate MinnesotaPRO BASEBALL - New Britain Rock Cats (Double-A affiliate Minnesota

Twins); Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent); Norwich TBDTwins); Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent); Norwich TBD

FAST FACT: The Rock Cats are the oldest continuously operating professional sportsFAST FACT: The Rock Cats are the oldest continuously operating professional sports

franchise in the state, drew over 370,000 fans in 2009 and employ 200 people.franchise in the state, drew over 370,000 fans in 2009 and employ 200 people.

PRO HOCKEY - Hartford Wolfpack (AHL affiliate NY Rangers); BridgeportPRO HOCKEY - Hartford Wolfpack (AHL affiliate NY Rangers); Bridgeport

Sound Tigers (AHL affiliate NY Islanders); Danbury Whalers (FHL)Sound Tigers (AHL affiliate NY Islanders); Danbury Whalers (FHL)

FAST FACT: The Wolfpack and Sound Tigers combined for a total attendance of 348,720FAST FACT: The Wolfpack and Sound Tigers combined for a total attendance of 348,720

in 2008-09.in 2008-09.

PRO WOMENS BASKETBALL - Connecticut Sun (WNBA)PRO WOMENS BASKETBALL - Connecticut Sun (WNBA)

FAST FACT: Hosting 2010 WNBA All-Star Game at Mohegan SunFAST FACT: Hosting 2010 WNBA All-Star Game at Mohegan Sun


23/28

Current State Sports IndustryCurrent State Sports Industry

GOLF The Connecticut State Golf Association has 187 memberGOLF The Connecticut State Golf Association has 187 member

clubs, 92 of which are public courses, including 32 owned byclubs, 92 of which are public courses, including 32 owned by

municipalities.municipalities.

FAST FACT The municipal courses provide substantial revenue toFAST FACT The municipal courses provide substantial revenue to

each town government through greens fees and other sources. CSGAeach town government through greens fees and other sources. CSGA

will conduct 51 events in 2010, many including out of state golfers.will conduct 51 events in 2010, many including out of state golfers.

Other sports that attract attendees to support CT tourism:Other sports that attract attendees to support CT tourism: Running - Road races/marathonsRunning - Road races/marathons

Biking Races/triathlonsBiking Races/triathlons

Sailing Regional/national championshipsSailing Regional/national championships

Outdoors Fishing tournamentsOutdoors Fishing tournaments

Youth sports tournaments/special events attract thousands ofYouth sports tournaments/special events attract thousands of

athletes, coaches, and families to CT each year.athletes, coaches, and families to CT each year.

Special Olympics Summer World Games New Haven, July 1995 TheSpecial Olympics Summer World Games New Haven, July 1995 Thelargest international and humanitarianlargest international and humanitarian

event in the world was held in CT 15 years ago. The 2011 event inevent in the world was held in CT 15 years ago. The 2011 event in

Athens expects 7,500 athletes from 185 countries.Athens expects 7,500 athletes from 185 countries.


24/28

Charitable and EducationalCharitable and Educational

BenefitsBenefitsSports events provide benefits to CT residentsSports events provide benefits to CT residents

that are significant to our communities in thethat are significant to our communities in thefollowing ways:following ways:FinancialFinancial

Travelers Championship golf tournament (GreaterTravelers Championship golf tournament (Greater

Hartford)Hartford)

In 2009, generated $1,080,000 to benefit the eventsIn 2009, generated $1,080,000 to benefit the events

130 designated charities, including primary130 designated charities, including primary

beneficiaries the Greater Hartford Jaycees and Thebeneficiaries the Greater Hartford Jaycees and The

Hole In The Wall Gang Camp.Hole In The Wall Gang Camp.

Since its inception in 1952, the golf event hasSince its inception in 1952, the golf event has

donated $27 million back to state charities.donated $27 million back to state charities.

Connecticut State Golf AssociationConnecticut State Golf Association Has raised over $2.3M for scholarships for more thanHas raised over $2.3M for scholarships for more than

500 college students.500 college students.


25/28

Charitable and EducationalCharitable and Educational

BenefitsBenefits

Community InvolvementCommunity Involvement

Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament, New HavenPilot Pen Tennis Tournament, New Haven

Partnership between the tourney, New Haven Parks & Rec & USTA New EnglandPartnership between the tourney, New Haven Parks & Rec & USTA New England

has given city residents access to affordable year-round tennis programs.has given city residents access to affordable year-round tennis programs.

Nearly 3,500 kids have gone through these programs.Nearly 3,500 kids have gone through these programs.

CT Boxing CommissionCT Boxing Commission

Over 20 gyms throughout the state support the amateur boxing scene, whichOver 20 gyms throughout the state support the amateur boxing scene, which

serves as a safe alternative to the streets and provides mentoring for at-riskserves as a safe alternative to the streets and provides mentoring for at-risk

youth.youth.

Park City SportsFest, BridgeportPark City SportsFest, Bridgeport

A free, family fun festival for the past 4 years in conjunction with college eventsA free, family fun festival for the past 4 years in conjunction with college events

at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Thousands of youngsters/ families have attended.at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Thousands of youngsters/ families have attended.


26/28

Other State SportsOther State Sports

CommissionsCommissions

Approximately 25 states have an entityApproximately 25 states have an entity

overseeing coordinated sports tourismoverseeing coordinated sports tourism

activities.activities.

Delaware is the most recent to start a stateDelaware is the most recent to start a state

sports commission in November 2009.sports commission in November 2009.

The recent model and trend for stateThe recent model and trend for state

commissions is to create a privatecommissions is to create a private

organization comprised of sportsorganization comprised of sports

stakeholders that work cooperatively with astakeholders that work cooperatively with a

state-run agency and with the support of thestate-run agency and with the support of the

state.state.
http://www.masports.org/this-month.html


27/28

Other State SportsOther State Sports

CommissionsCommissions

A relevant example of this type of public/private effortA relevant example of this type of public/private effort

is the Massachusetts Sports Partnership. Establishedis the Massachusetts Sports Partnership. Established

in 1992, the MSP is a division of the states Sports andin 1992, the MSP is a division of the states Sports and

Entertainment Commission.Entertainment Commission.

MSP has secured the following major sporting eventsMSP has secured the following major sporting events

in the past few years:in the past few years:

2012-2014 MAAC Mens & Womens Basketball2012-2014 MAAC Mens & Womens Basketball

Conference Championship TournamentsConference Championship Tournaments

2009 NCAA D-I Womens Hockey Frozen Four2009 NCAA D-I Womens Hockey Frozen Four

2009 AHL All-Star Classic2009 AHL All-Star Classic

2008 NCAA D-I Womens Final Four2008 NCAA D-I Womens Final Four 2008 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships2008 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships

2008 NCAA Mens D-I Lacrosse Championships2008 NCAA Mens D-I Lacrosse Championships

2008 NCAA Mens D-III Volleyball Championships2008 NCAA Mens D-III Volleyball Championships
http://www.masports.org/this-month.htmlhttp://www.masports.org/this-month.htmlhttp://www.masports.org/this-month.html


28/28

economic impact with sports in connecticut

Documents