Page 94 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2017

SPORTS & OUTDOOR bigger and better
Tstory by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of City of Gulfport Leisure Services
and football tournaments at the same time,” Leisure Services Marketing Manager Jase Payne said. “The teams, coaches, and spectators are dining in our restaurants, lodging in our hotels, and shopping at our malls and local businesses.”
Some of the events held at
the Sportsplex include Youth Baseball and Softball tournaments, National Talent showcases, Softball National Championship, Toy Drive Tournament, NCAA Division 1
Gulf Coast Softball Classic, soccer tournaments, regional tournaments, national showcases, Youth Football tournaments, and Easter egg hunt (averages 500-600 people).
“We also have the Gulf Islands Waterpark on site as well as Zip-N- Fun Adventure Park,” Payne said. “If you’re not competing during the summertime, you can stay inside the Sportsplex and go down the Horn Island Blaster, float the lazy river,
or maneuver your way through the obstacle courses.”
228.832.3843 www.gulfport-ms.gov/ls-sportsplex
he popular 250-acre adding sidewalks, utilities and new Gulfport Sportsplex is multipurpose rooms.
getting a boost with the D’Aquilla points out that the construction and expansion Sportsplex is a large part of Gulfport’s of several facilities to the economic development, citing the tune of $8.5 million. Six new following figures from 2016:
baseball/softball fields will bring the • Teams hosted: 2,644
total to 15 such fields, and two new all- purpose fields for soccer and football will give a total of six of that type.
“We anticipate opening the new facilities just in time for Spring baseball season in 2018,” Director of Leisure Services David D’Aquilla said. “All the new baseball/softball fields will have artificial turf and LED lighting, and the all-purpose fields will also have LED lighting.”
Additionally, city officials are reviewing bids for the construction of a new concession stand and restrooms; realigning a road; and
• Players, coaches, and spectators attending: 79,320
• Estimated hotel room nights: 31,700 • Estimated Economic Impact: $15.8
million
Estimations were derived by University of Southern Mississippi Sports Tourism Economic Impact Formula.
“Currently we can host a 60-team event for one weekend for baseball and softball. With the addition of the new turf fields, we will be able to host a 90-team tournament in one weekend. With the two extra all-purpose fields we will comfortably be able to have soccer
94 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2017
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expansion