RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-1781

A resolution requesting the Mayor to appoint a committee to organize a “Sports Summit” to increase the use of sporting events in Nashville as a tool to promote economic development and tourism.

WHEREAS, Nashville is home to several professional sports teams, including the Predators, Titans, Sounds, and Metros, which greatly contribute to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the professional teams, Nashville is home to many amateur and youth sports programs and leagues serving thousands of citizens each year; and

WHEREAS, amateur and youth sports programs often hold tournaments that greatly contribute to the local economies of the communities where the tournaments are held; and

WHEREAS, although Nashville has plenty of hotel rooms to accommodate participants in large amateur and youth sports tournaments, many such tournaments have recently been held in communities outside of Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, as an example, Murfreesboro recently hosted the AAU girls basketball teams for a week, a large soccer tournament, and the TSSAA Spring Fling, all of which resulted in an economic boon for the city; and

WHEREAS, in order to increase the number of amateur and youth sporting events in Nashville, and to ensure that the city is benefitting as much as possible from our local professional teams, it is appropriate that a committee be appointed to hold a “Sports Summit” to examine Nashville’s venues, facilities, and marketing efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor to appoint a committee to organize a “Sports Summit” to increase the use of sporting events in Nashville as a tool to promote economic development and tourism.

Section 2. The Sports Summit participants should represent a broad cross section of interested parties, including Metro Parks, the Greater Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, other local chambers of commerce, the Nashville Convention & Tourism Bureau, the Tennessee Hospitality Association, the Nashville Sports Council, youth sports leagues, professional teams, marketing professionals, civic and professional leaders, and Members of the Metro Council.

Section 3. The Sports Summit should attempt to answer the following questions:
• What facilities does Nashville lack and/or need to host major youth sporting events?
• How can these venues benefit the Nashville economy?
• How can these venues benefit the local communities/neighborhoods and their youth?
• Are Nashville’s professional sports venues sufficient to maximize the economic impact?
• Does Nashville have a coordinated marketing plan to maximize the economic benefits of our professional sports teams?

Section 4. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Karl Dean.

Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Charlie Tygard