Volume 2, Issue 1 - October 2005

In The News

USL SoccerFest Coming to Tampa

On October 29, the 2005 USL Soccer Fest kicks off in Tampa. The Soccer Fest is comprised of the USL 2005 Annual General Meeting and the Super Y-League North American Finals. The 2005 USL SoccerFest is expected to draw 5,000-plus participants and family members to Tampa for the events. Visitors are anticipated to occupy more than 8,000 hotel room nights, utilize over 800 rental cars and vans, and consume over 75,000 meals.

The Annual General Meeting, USL's annual gathering of team executives and soccer dignitaries for operations and strategic planning meetings returns to Tampa for the first time since 1997 after holding the event in Clearwater the past seven years. This year's AGM will be held October 29-31. Every year, over 300 team owners, executives and other important figures in the soccer community meet at the USL AGM to discuss important soccer issues. This three-day conference will feature representatives from each of USL's senior teams as well as other soccer dignitaries.

Also as part of the inaugural USL Soccer Fest, the USL Super Y-League North American Finals will take place at the University of South Florida and Ed Radice Sports Complex November 17-22. USL Super Y-League North American Finals is one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments on the continent and will feature over 140 elite teams from all over North America.

"The USL SoccerFest is going to be an incredible event for our region," said Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins. "It has been wonderful watching this great event develop with the United Soccer Leagues and we're confident it will experience exponential growth."

Sports Commission Steps up to Help Fishing Championship

The Inshore Fishing Association's (IFA's) Pro Tour Championship was originally going to be held in Venice, La., on November 4-5, 2005, and then came Hurricane Katrina. Tentative plans were made to reschedule the event for the same weekend in Lake Charles, La., and then came Hurricane Rita. On very short notice, tour officials have been able to put together yet another plan and are taking the IFA Pro Tour Championship to The Inn at Little Harbor in Ruskin, Fl. near Tampa Bay. The event is still scheduled for November 4-5.

Working with personnel at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and The Inn at Little Harbor, Jim Armstrong, CEO of the IFA, stated, "We are very saddened by the devastation that has taken place in the gulf coast region due to Katrina and Rita, and our hearts also go out to those who have been affected by these storms. The quick rescheduling and planning for this event speaks volumes to the strength of the Tampa Bay area community and their ability to make something special happen at a moment's notice. We look forward to working with them to host the upcoming Championship."

Inaugural Members Join Sports Commission

The 2006 Tampa Bay Sports Commission Inaugural Membership Campaign was officially launched this September. Since the launch, we have received extremely positive feedback and have begun to grow this integral part of the Sports Commission.

Whether you're interested in attending local events, networking with professionals in the sports industry or providing your company advertising opportunities at Tampa Bay events, the Sports Commission has a membership for you!

Congratulations to our newest members:

All-American

Shumaker, Loop, & Kendrick, LLP

All-Confernce

Hilton Garden Inn, Tampa North

Wine Not

Team Captain

Dr. Victor Mattos

Richard Wilson

Team Player

Kelly Kavanaugh

Tony Armer

Allison Braithwaite

Scott Cathcart

Eilam Isaak

Missy Pregeant

Mark Rankin

For more information on how to become our newest member call 813-218-3814 or visit www.TampaBaySports.org.

Tampa Bay Sports Commission Hits the Road

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission has a very productive and strategic travel season planned to bring more amateur sporting events to the Tampa Bay area. From Oct. 18 - Nov. 13, the staff of the Sports Commission will be heading to national conventions for sports associations such as Amateur Athletic Union, National Softball Association, United States Specialty Sports Association, and American Softball Association. The staff will also be headed to Fort Lauderdale to once again attend the TEAMS Conference which features over 400 event organizers. In September, Tradeshow Week magazine named TEAMS one of the "50 Fastest-Growing Trade Shows" for the second consecutive year.

Volunteer Opportunities

United Soccer League - Super Y League North American Finals - Nov. 17-22, 2005

Volunteers are still needed for this year USL Super Y-League North American Finals that will be held this November 17-22 on the campus of the University of South Florida and Ed Radice Sports Complex. The North American Finals is one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments on the continent. Part of the inaugural USL Soccerfest, the Super Y-League North American Finals will feature over 140 elite teams from all over North America who will compete in the league's annual premier event. We are looking for people to assist in event setup, administration, registration, and numerous other areas. For more volunteer information or to sign-up, please contact Anthony Mozzicato at shousing@VisitTampaBay.com or (813) 218-3849.

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a private, non-profit, 501c3, charitable corporation that serves the entire Tampa Bay area as the lead organization for bidding on and hosting major amateur sporting events. Our mission is to attract, promote and/or organize major amateur sporting events, and grassroots youth sports programs, that foster the ongoing development and quality of life for the entire Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay Sports Commision - 400 North Tampa Street, Suite 2800, Tampa, Florida 33602
Ph: 813.223.1111 - Toll Free: 800.826.8358 - Fax: 813.218.3376 - www.TampaBaySports.org
For more information, email Joe Willis at jwillis@VisitTampaBay.com