A Message From The Director
Dear Greater Columbus Sports Commission supporter:
Welcome to the Summer 2007 edition of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission's e-newsletter.
When I first joined Experience Columbus (then known as the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau) as the organization's first sports marketing manager in the summer of 1997, it was our long-term goal to form a sports commission that would be dedicated to attracting professional, collegiate, amateur and youth sporting events to Columbus, Ohio.
In fact, we immediately began working on a five-year plan that culminated in the formation of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission in June 2002. It is hard to believe that we are now celebrating our fifth-year anniversary, but more about that landmark in just a moment.
In those early days, it was a dream - although admittedly hard to believe at the time - to host events just like the National Hockey League Entry Draft, held in our city June 22-23. When I first arrived at the CVB, we were still a year away from the opening of the Schottenstein Center. Columbus Crew Stadium wouldn't open until 1999, and Nationwide Arena not until 2000.
It's truly amazing how far our city and the sports commission have come in such a short time. The NHL Entry Draft was a truly special event for our city. The eyes of the hockey world were on Columbus, and we shined bright. The Blue Jackets, the Arena District and our entire hospitality community rose to the occasion, and put on what some NHL executives described as "one of the best, if not the best" drafts in league history. We should all be proud of a job well done, and we are certain the hard work will be rewarded with even premier events in the future.
The NHL Entry Draft is just one of many events that provided watershed moments in our development as a sports destination. NCAA men's basketball tournaments, MLS Cup, MLS All-Star Game, Women's World Cup and several other high-profile events have combined with a long list of volleyball, softball, wrestling and other participatory events to help define our place in a very competitive market.
In fact, we have many reasons to celebrate the sports commission's first five years, and we will do just that - and take a look at what's to come - at The Morning Sports Report on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Ohio State men's basketball coach Thad Matta and CBS analyst Clark Kellogg will be among the feature guests. Please make plans to join us at what promises to be an exciting event.
To stay up to date on all of the events on our radar screen, please visit our Web site at www.ColumbusSports.org on a regular basis. Among the many features you'll find is an updated Calendar of Events that includes hundreds of professional, collegiate and youth sporting events.
Thank you again for your support of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
Sincerely,
Linda Shetina Logan
Executive Director
Matta, Kellogg to headline Morning Sports Report
Mark your calendar now to attend the fourth-annual The Morning Sports Report, presented by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission on Aug. 28.
The fun, informational breakfast will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Proceeds benefit the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
New program allows hotels to support Sports Commission
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Greater Columbus Lodging Council have partnered to offer Columbus area hotels an opportunity to support the Sports Commission through a new sponsorship program.
To date, ten hotels have pledged a combined $35,000 to support the GCSC's sales and marketing efforts.
2008 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships tickets on sale Aug. 28
Tickets to the 2008 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships,
to be held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in June, will go on sale
Aug. 28.
Visit www.ColumbusSports.org in the coming weeks for more information about prices and package information for the three-day event, which will be held June 20-22 on The Ohio State University campus. Approximately 800 of the best Track & Field athletes from the United States will compete.
Other News
Destroyers win National Conference championship, reach first ArenaBowl
Recent Bookings
- USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships (2008)
- NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving Championships (2008)
- U.S. Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships (2008)
- NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament, first and second rounds (2009)
- NCAA Division I Men's Swimming & Diving Championship (2010)
Current Bids
- NCAA Men's Fencing National Championship (2008)
- National Softball Association Girls Fast Pitch World Series (2008)
- USA Taekwondo Open Championships (2008)
Upcoming Events In Greater Columbus
- The Morning Sports Report (Aug. 28, Greater Columbus Convention Center)
- Labor of Love Volleyball Tournament (Sept. 1-2, Sports Barn at Easton)
About the Greater Columbus Sports Commission
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission was formed in June 2002 to provide leadership, guidance and marketing expertise in attracting regional, national and international sporting events and activities to bolster Greater Columbus economically and socially.
Staff
- Linda Shetina Logan, Executive Director
- Brian Timm, Director of Corporate Partnerships
- Mikel Johnson, Sales Manager
- Gwen Verhoff, Senior Events Manager
- Kim Combs, Office Manager
- Media Contact
Brent LaLonde, LaLonde Communications
Board of Commissioners
- Brian Ellis, Chair – Nationwide Realty Investors
- Paul Astleford – Experience Columbus
- Irwin Bain – Schottenstein Stores Corporation
- Butch Moore – The Dispatch Printing Company
- Michael Priest – Worthington Industries/Columbus Blue Jackets
- Rhett Ricart – Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority
- Gene Smith – The Ohio State University
- Dennis Welch – American Electric Power
Join Our Team
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is continually in need of volunteers to support the various sports events held in Columbus. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact the GCSC's Gwen Verhoff, Senior Events Manager.
Contact Us
Greater Columbus Sports Commission
Administrative Offices
45 Vine St
Columbus, OH 43215
614-221-6060
800-331-0092
Email