SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve two agreements between USA Softball, Inc, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the City of Clearwater, for hosting the 2017 USA Softball GOLD 18U and 16 U Fast-Pitch tournaments, July 16-22, 2017 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
USA Softball, Inc., formerly the Amateur Softball Association (ASA)/USA Softball, is a volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization based in Oklahoma City, OK, was founded in 1933 and has evolved into the strongest softball organization in the country. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) named ASA the National Governing Body of Softball, pursuant to the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
The GOLD Nationals tournaments are the highest level of play for club softball. Clearwater hosted the same tournaments in 2013 and was selected to host the 2017 events at the Eddie C Moore Softball Complex (18U) and Sid Lickton Complex (16U).
The economic impact to the community from the tournaments is expected to generate approximately $7 million with over 12,000 room nights at Clearwater and Pinellas County hotels.
The City’s primary goal is to serve as host and facility operator for both tournaments, including field preparation services, set up for all support areas, coordination of facility layout, electric and water services, on-site event staff, marketing and coordination, recruitment of volunteers for the events and securing umpires and officials for the games, providing for security, paramedics, solid waste services, park and restroom clean-up, etc.
USA Softball will provide technical assistance throughout the operation of the tournaments at Eddie C Moore Softball Complex and Sid Lickton Complex, and manage the qualification process for up to 64 teams to play in each tournament.
The City is responsible for the financial management and accounting for the tournaments, collecting all revenue associated with the event and for paying all expenses from proceeds. It is anticipated that tournament revenue will cover all expenses and produce a net profit to help defray costs associated with Sports Tourism Division.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A