2017 Annual Report155 W. Nationwide Blvd., Ste. 125

Columbus, OH 43215614-221-6060

The Greater Columbus region is recognized as a PREMIER DESTINATION for state, regional,

national and international professional, collegiate, amateur and youth SPORTING EVENTS.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS WITH YOU

Dear Partners,

In 2017, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission celebrates its 15th anniversary. We are proud of the leadership role we have played as our sports scene has grown and prospered over this timeframe, with the future promising to be even brighter.

Columbus has become a successful and ever-growing sports destination because of the continued support and engagement of our community. Thanks to the collaborative spirit of our city and county leaders, civic and hospitality partners, community-minded corporations, sports teams and institutions, as well as the cadre of boots-on-the-ground volunteers, the events we host are nothing short of spectacular.

The entire nation is watching when we land NCAA national events like the upcoming Women’s Final Four in 2018 or host high-profile professional events like the NHL All-Star Game, the MLS Cup or the MiLB Triple-A Governors’ Cup. The entire world is watching when we welcome prestigious international events like The Presidents Cup, a FIFA World Cup Qualifier or the Arnold Sports Festival.

Annually, crowds flock to the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon, the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, the 20 OHSAA State Championships and hundreds of amateur tournaments like Ohio Valley Region volleyball.

It’s clear, since the founding of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission in 2002, Columbus has grown into a sports city with no offseason!

We appreciate the unwavering support we receive from the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the State of Ohio, along with that of our board of directors and corporate partners who invest in our mission. We proudly mark this milestone anniversary and boldly look toward the future.

Here’s to the next 15 years!

Linda Shetina Logan, CSEE, CTA

Since 2002, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission has booked 427 new sporting events for the Columbus Region, generating an estimated $535 million in visitor spending.

*Tourism Economics has provided us with the visitor spending percentages in each category.

LODGING FOOD & BEVERAGE RETAIL RECREATION TRANSPORTATION $48.5M • 9%* $91M • 17%* $117.7M • 22%* $53.5M • 10%* $69.6M • 13%*

TOP FIVE industry sectors that benefit most from visitor spending numbers generated through sports:

DEFINING MOMENTS

INITIAL BID FOR NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S FINAL FOUR

“I think the defining event for the Sports Commission was our first bid for the Women’s Final Four. Yes, the bid we lost. That effort got the community really engaged – both public and private sector. There was a recognition that Columbus could compete on the national stage. The process set the stage for our many future successes.” — Brian Ellis, Nationwide Realty Investors

FIRST TIME HOSTING NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL FIRST/SECOND ROUNDS

“While we have hosted many great sporting events in a variety of sports delivering tourism dollars to the city, to me that event said “We have arrived”. No longer could Columbus not compete for the biggest events on the biggest stages. Then to make the experience such a memorable one for all those attending (Including the NCAA) – I knew we could pull off any event we set our mind to.” — Butch Moore, WBNS 10TV

HOSTING THE NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S FROZEN FOUR

“For me, my favorite moment in the Sports Commission’s first 15 years occurred in 2005 at the NCAA Frozen Four finals at the Schottenstein Center. I saw a sign that referred to the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, which to that point I did not know even existed. From that point forward to today, it has been a thrill and I am so thankful to be part of the amazing ride skyward that the Commission has been on.” — Brian Hall, Porter Wright

Retail

Food & Beverage

Transportation

Recreation

Lodging

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Transportation

Recreation

Lodging

Retail

Food & Beverage

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Recreation

Lodging

Retail

Food & Beverage

Transportation

Recreation

Lodging

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Transportation

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Lodging

For more defining moments visit columbussports.org.

2004NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Since 2004, the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds have been in Columbus four times. This event represents $10 million in visitor spending each time it comes to Columbus and will be back in 2019.

15 YEARS OF IMPACT ON COLUMBUS

2002It’s OfficialOn June 27, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission (GCSC) was established and introduced to the community at a special event at Nationwide Arena called ‘Columbus Celebrates Sports.’

2003U.S. SoccerThe FIFA Women’s World Cup was played at Crew Stadium and brought soccer fans and media from all over the world to Columbus.

2012USA VolleyballIn partnership with Ohio Valley Region, Columbus hosted the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships that brought approximately 10,000 athletes and more than 20,000 spectators, which provided $30 million into the community.

2013The Presidents CupThe international golf match, The Presidents Cup, was held at Muirfield Village Golf Course and was broadcast in 200 countries to more than 600 million households. The event generated $22 million in visitor spending.

2014USA FencingThe largest tournament of its kind, Columbus hosted the USA Fencing Summer National Championships in back-to-back years. We look forward to their return in 2019.

2007NHL Draft

The GCSC in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted a successful

NHL Draft that brought the who’s who of hockey to our city’s front door. 

2009Big Ten Baseball

The GCSC, along with the Columbus Clippers, hosted the Big Ten Baseball

Tournament at the new Huntington Park marking the first time the event was held off

campus. It remained in Columbusthrough 2011.

2017A Year of Championships

Columbus hosted the NCAA DII Women’s Basketball Championships, NCAA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship,

USA Track & Field Half Marathon Championships, first-ever OHSAA State

Lacrosse Championships and USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships.

Photos Courtesy of: U.S. Soccer, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Hockey League (NHL), USA Volleyball, The Presidents Cup, USA Fencing and OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

2008Turning Point

Even though we lost the NCAA Women’s Final Four bid this year, valuable

relationships were created and proved to be a turning point for the organization.

2004NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Since 2004, the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds have been in Columbus four times. This event represents $10 million in visitor spending each time it comes to Columbus and will be back in 2019.

15 YEARS OF IMPACT ON COLUMBUS

2005NCAA DI Men’s Ice Hockey The NCAA Frozen Four was held in Columbus at Value City Arena. This was last time theevent was held on a campus location.

2014USA FencingThe largest tournament of its kind, Columbus hosted the USA Fencing Summer National Championships in back-to-back years. We look forward to their return in 2019.

2006U.S. Olympic TrialsColumbus hosted the prestigious U.S. Duet Olympic Trials – Synchronized Swimming at the McCorkle Aquatics Pavilion on Ohio State’s campus. This was the first Olympic Trial for the 2008 Olympics.  

2015NHL All-Star WeekendThe NHL All-Star Weekend generated $12 million in visitor spending. The Columbus Blue Jackets and the community rolled out the red carpet to athletes and fans, which prompted NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to say that “A+ was not a high enough grade” for Columbus.

2016NCAA DI Women’s Volleyball Columbus hosted 17,365 fans at Nationwide Arena for the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship and is set to host the event again in 2021!

2010NAGAAA Gay Softball

Columbus hosted the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series that brought $5 million in

visitor spending and also provided many legacy programs for the community.

This event returned to Columbus in 2015.

2011New ColumbUS Brand

Columbus launched a new image and city branding in anticipation for its Bicentennial

in 2012. In collaboration with Columbus civic organizations for the “ColumbUS” image project, the GCSC rebranded and

created a new logo.

Photos Courtesy of: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Ohio State Athletics, North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association (NAGAAA) Gay Softball World Series Local Organizing Committee, Columbus Blue Jackets, USA Volleyball and Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA)

As the Greater Columbus Sports Commission looks toward the next 15 years, we recognize the growth of not only the tourism industry but also the city of Columbus. The sports scene in Central Ohio has played an integral part in that growth and has helped transform Columbus into a top sports destination. Now no matter the season, you can experience multiple sporting events happening throughout the city. That’s why we simultaneously launched a new website and Columbus Has No Offseason trail in 2017.

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission’s redesigned website, columbussports.org, focuses on showcasing Columbus as a premier host city while engaging locals to experience all that is happening in their backyard. The website content was rewritten to provide quick-hitting information for users while engaging them in dynamic visuals and providing a mobile responsive site to access anywhere.

Columbus Has No Offseason trail embodies the vibrant and collaborative spirit of Columbus, representing the city’s passion for sports and encouraging fans to attend various events throughout each season. As our city’s sports scene continues to grow and gain national attention, our community’s fan base grows with it.

To view the new website or learn more about the Columbus Has No Offseason trail, visit columbussports.org.

COLUMBUS HAS NO OFFSEASON

Photo Credit: The Arnold Sports Festival by Randall L. Schieber

On February 15, more than 600 community members attended The Women’s Sports Report, presented by OhioHealth. The morning was dedicated to those that are trailblazing the way for women, for sports and for our community. Maya Moore, among the most elite, respected and accomplished basketball athletes, headlined the event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA champion, Maya shared how inspiration and leadership played an integral part of her career and affected her life, both on and off the court.

Maya also unveiled the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four logo with partners of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. The logo unveiling was the tipoff to the road to Columbus, as the city will host the event for the first time in partnership with Ohio State and Nationwide Arena on March 30 and April 1, 2018. The NCAA Women’s Final Four brings the best in women’s collegiate basketball to Columbus and the weekend also features many community events open to the public. To purchase game tickets or for information on the schedule and volunteer opportunities, visit columbuswff.com.

With university partners, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission submitted 47 bids to host 19 NCAA championships that take place during 2019-2022. The NCAA awarded Columbus 12 championships cementing Columbus’ status as a premier NCAA host city.

Here is the breakdown:

March 22-24, 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds

March 26-29, 2019 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Elite Eight

March 20-21, 2020 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship

November 19, 2020 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship

March 12-13, 2021 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Rifle Championship

March 23-26, 2021 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Elite Eight

May 6-8, 2021 NCAA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship

May 10-12, 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Regional

December 16-18, 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship

April 14-16, 2022 NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship

May 15-18, 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Regional

May 21-22, 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinal

For event details visit columbussports.org.

NCAA WOMEN’S FINAL FOUR COLUMBUS LAUNCHES WITH MAYA MOORE

TWELVE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARDED TO COLUMBUS

COLUMBUS HAS NO OFFSEASON NCAA RETURNS TO COLUMBUS

OUR PARTNERS SAY IT BEST

“OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon has grown over 360 percent over the last 13 years and a lot of that success is based on our relationship with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.”

DAVID BABNER OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

“ It’s never been a question for us to participate with the Sports Commission because they offer the leadership and guidance in bringing events to the community that we just absolutely want to be involved with.”

PATTY BARTON Huntington Bank

“The partnerships that we’ve been introduced to has gained us a lot of exposure within Central Ohio.”

RANDY FLESCH Marathon Petroleum

To transform Columbus into one of the world’s best sports destinations.OUR VISION

In 2002, a group of Columbus visionaries founded the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. With their continued support, Columbus has become one of the nation’s leading sports destinations. With all sincerity and gratitude, we thank you!

Each year, additional community businesses believe in the mission of the Sports Commission and decided to invest in us. Within this past year, the following entities have become Greater Columbus Sports Commission Corporate Partners: Advance Printing & Graphics, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, Eldorado Scioto Downs and Varment Guard.

Experience ColumbusFranklin County Convention Facilities AuthorityNationwide Realty InvestorsSchottenstein Stores CorporationThe Ohio State University Department of AthleticsThe Columbus Dispatch/WBNS 10TV/97.1 The FanWorthington Industries

Brian Ellis, CTA, Chair | Nationwide Realty InvestorsJoe Hamrock | NiSourceMichael Louge | OhioHealthAndy Loughnane | Columbus Crew SCButch Moore | WBNS 10TVJason Pheister | Spectrum SportsMike Priest | JMAC/Columbus Blue JacketsRhett Ricart | Ricart Automotive Inc. (representing Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority)Brian Ross, CTA | Experience ColumbusKen Schnacke | Columbus ClippersMark Shaw, CTA | AAA OhioJulie Sloat | American Electric PowerGene Smith | The Ohio State UniversityDan Sullivan | HNS Sports Group, Inc.

David Babner | OhioHealth Capital CIty Half MarathonPatty Barton | Huntington BankDarris Blackford, CTA | Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 MarathonJon Bowsher | TIBA North AmericaCharles Burris | Papa Johns (Johncol, Inc.)RJ Cavallaro | Mills James ProductionsRyan Chenault | Ohio MachineLisa Cisco | Travel Partners/Buckeye Cruise for CancerLuke Fedlam | Porter WrightBrian Ferrier | Giant EagleRandy Flesch | Marathon Petroleum

Gordon Gough | The Ohio Council of Retail MerchantsMike Gross | G&J PepsiMichelle Wong Halabi | Kegler Brown Hill + RitterKen Haynie, CTA | Red Roof InnsFrances Henry | Fifth Third BankMelissa Johnson | Cameron Mitchell Premier EventsJim Lorimer, CTA | Arnold Sports Festival (Classic Productions)Gary Marcinick | Budros, Ruhlin & Roe, Inc.Craig Marshall | Ernst & YoungFrancois McGillicuddy | FOX Sports OhioRon Pizzuti | The Pizzuti CompaniesMike Reynolds | OhPark Airport ParkingMike Scurria | Superior Beverage GroupTodd Sharrock | Columbus Blue JacketsRichelle Simonson | LAZ Parking/CampusParcScott Stienecker | PromoWest ProductionsMike Townsley | Bob Evans Farms, Inc.Guy Worley, CTA | Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South Urban Redevelopment

Greg Davies | City of ColumbusArchie Griffin | The Ohio State UniversityStephanie Hightower | Columbus Urban LeagueClark Kellogg, CTA | CBS SportsDr. Dan Ross | Ohio High School Athletic AssociationJody Shelley, CTA | Columbus Blue JacketsKatie Smith | WNBA New York LibertyKenneth Wilson, CTA | Franklin County Board of Commissioners

To rally Columbus to compete and win sporting events, providing a singular athlete and fan experience and positively impacting our image, economy and lifestyle.OUR MISSION

FOUNDING PARTNERS

For information on becoming a Greater Columbus Sports Commission partner, contact:

BRIAN TIMM, CSEE, CTADirector of Corporate Partnershipsbtimm@columbussports.org614-221-6180

BOARD MEMBERS

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION PARTNERSHIPS

Advance Printing & Graphics Arnold Sports FestivalArtina Promotional ProductsBob Evans Farms, Inc.Budros, Ruhlin & Roe, Inc.Cameron Mitchell Premier EventsCleveland IndiansCoach QuartersColumbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South Urban RedevelopmentColumbus Zoo & AquariumDonatosEldorado Scioto Downs

Ernst & Young LLPEvent Marketing StrategiesFahlgren MortineFastpitch ShowdownsFifth Third BankFOX Sports OhioG&J PepsiGiant EagleHollywood Casino/Penn National GamingHuntington BankJeni’s Splendid Ice CreamsKegler Brown Hill + Ritter, LPAL Brands Foundation

LAZ ParkingMarathon PetroleumMarketing Activations GroupMid-Ohio Sports Car CourseMills JamesMT Business TechnologiesNationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 MarathonOhioHealth Capital City Half MarathonOhio Dominican UniversityOhioHealth Chiller Ice RinksOhio MachineOhPark Airport Parking

Outreach Promotional SolutionsPanera BreadPapa JohnsPlante MoranPorter WrightPromoWest ProductionsRed Roof InnsRoostersSuperior Beverage GroupThe Ohio Council of Retail MerchantsThe Pizzuti CompaniesTIBA North AmericaTravel Partners/Buckeye Cruise for Cancer

CHAMPIONSHIP PARTNERS

CORPORATE PARTNERS

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization affiliated with Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation,eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. The Sports Commission is supported financially by public, corporate and community partners.

The Sports Commission has a team of 14 staff members and is governed by a vested Board of Commissioners.

Linda Shetina Logan, CSEE, CTA | Executive DirectorBrenda Carter, CTA | Executive Assistant

Jeremy Leifel, CTA | Director, Business DevelopmentLauren McNerney, CTA | Business Development ManagerMichelle Mercer, CTA | Business Development Coordinator

Brian Timm, CSEE, CTA | Director, Corporate Partnerships

Eric Archibald, CTA | Director, EventsAriana Tyler, CTA | Events ManagerErica Cornell, CTA | Events Assistant

Bruce Wimbish, CTA | Director, Marketing & CommunicationsJenn Cartmille, CTA | Marketing ManagerAshlee Hayes, CTA | Website & Graphic Design ManagerLaura Brown, CTA | Marketing Coordinator

Taylor Franklin, CTA | Receptionist & Office Manager

GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION PARTNERSHIPS GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION TEAM

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

EVENTS

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Columbus ranked “Highest in Visitor Satisfaction in the Midwest”by J.D. Power* in the 2016 Destination Experience Satisfaction Study

Columbus, OH received the highest numerical score among 8 cities in the Midwest in the J.D. Power 2016 Destination Experience Satisfaction Study, based on 26,124 total responses, measuring the experiences and perceptions of travelers who visited a top 50 U.S. destination, surveyed February-July 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

2017 Annual Report155 W. Nationwide Blvd., Ste. 125

Columbus, OH 43215614-221-6060