Chattanooga’s Growing Tourism Scene: Focus on Sports and Infrastructure
Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as local tourism officials set their sights on enhancing the area’s sports facilities and overall visitor experience! During a recent summit on tourism, Barry White, the CEO of the Chattanooga Tourism Co., highlighted some intriguing findings related to sports facilities and how they could play a pivotal role in attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy.
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
In 2023, Hamilton County saw more than 10.7 million visitors, who collectively spent a whopping $1.7 billion. This represents a notable increase of 6% from the previous year. With tourism deeply embedded in the region’s identity, White shared with the crowd, “It’s part of our DNA.”
Attendees also delved into other hot topics, including expansions at Chattanooga Airport, ongoing downtown developments, and current trends in both the hotel and sports industries. For instance, they cheered the return of Delta Air Lines, which has resumed daily nonstop flights to New York City after being on hold due to the pandemic!
Rethinking Sports Facilities
One major focal point of the discussions was the potential to enhance youth athletics in the area. Notably, White cited LakePoint Sports, a vast complex an hour south in Bartow County, Georgia. The facility accommodates multiple sports and has the space for 12 full-court basketball games or 24 volleyball games at once, plus numerous fields for other sports. White emphasized that Chattanooga could greatly benefit by creating similar facilities to attract tournaments and sporting events.
The tourism company is looking closely at facilities like Camp Jordan in East Ridge, which features numerous baseball and soccer fields, among other amenities. By evaluating the local sports facilities, officials hope to identify opportunities for new investments or improvements. White mentioned, “It’s pretty much a blank slate to really determine where we want to be.”
Impact of Youth Sports on Local Economy
What’s the catch? Youth athletic events not only promote physical activity but also drive up local spending as families travel to support their young athletes. “When you’ve got kids playing, mom and dad and brothers and sisters are traveling with them,” he explained. This influx of visitors translates into increased spending on food, entertainment, and accommodations, which in turn helps the local economy bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
Need for Event Infrastructure
Along with sports facilities, the region is also considering developing new venues, like a proposed outdoor amphitheater that could seat 6,000 people. Last year’s study of the Chattanooga Convention Center suggested adding a 35,000-square-foot ballroom and a 400-room hotel. White noted, “There’s larger conventions and meetings we’re losing because we don’t have a big ballroom.” Enhancing event infrastructure could make Chattanooga a more competitive destination for conventions and large gatherings.
Transforming the TVA Office Complex
In another exciting development, the Tennessee Valley Authority is reviewing its Chattanooga Office Complex for possible redevelopment. Spanning 1.4 million square feet, this 40-year-old campus could provide a wonderful opportunity to create a vibrant, people-friendly space that includes hotels, parks, and retail outlets, according to Emily Mack, CEO of River City Co.
Flight Service Upgrades
On the transportation front, Delta’s revival of nonstop flights between Chattanooga and New York City is a testament to the city’s growing potential. With the airline planning to boost service to destinations like Atlanta and Detroit, airport officials encourage locals to support Chattanooga Airport by choosing it over Nashville whenever possible. “Every ticket you buy is a vote for our airport,” Cameron stated passionately.
Looking Ahead
As Chattanooga focuses on these remarkable opportunities in sports and infrastructure, the city looks poised to welcome even more visitors and provide an unforgettable experience for both tourists and residents alike. There’s so much potential waiting to be unlocked, and it’s thrilling to watch how these initiatives will unfold!
