Duke Energy Provides Grant to Support Warren County Sports Complex Project
02/02/2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott Hutchinson, Communications Manager | 513-204-7046 | shutchinson@wccvb.org
Duke Energy Provides Grant to Support Warren County Sports Complex Project
WARREN COUNTY, OH (January 29, 2015) – Duke Energy is supporting the construction of a $9.5 million destination sports complex project with a $15,000 grant to the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB).
According to the WCCVB, the 87-acre, multi-sport complex, to be constructed off Ohio 741 at Otterbein Village in Turtlecreek Township, will attract approximately 700,000 people annually, generate $54 million in economic impact and create 730 jobs.
Duke Energy’s grant will help fund the design and promotion of the project.
“We’re thankful for the support of Duke Energy as we create a visitor attraction specifically designed to help the economy, the businesses, and the people of Warren County,” said Phillip S. Smith, President & CEO of the WCCVB. “With the help of Duke Energy, this complex will be designed to attract traveling athletes and their families from around the nation to Ohio’s Largest Playground, to not only compete, but to shop, dine and visit our outstanding attractions.”
The WCCVB’s sport marketing program has generated nearly $235 million in economic impact for the County’s economy since its inception in 2004. For 2015, the economic impact of sports marketing is expected to reach a single-year record of $40 million.
“Every year we find ourselves turning down numerous sporting events, simply because of a lack of field space,” said Ben Huffman, Director of Sports Marketing for the WCCVB. “Having a dedicated sports complex will allow the County to realize its potential as a national sports destination, while also driving millions of dollars into local businesses.”
About Warren County Sports:
Warren County Sports is a department of the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The department bids on and facilitates national championships and regional sporting events, with the primary goal of attracting out-of-town competitors. Since its inception in 2004, Warren County Sports has grown to become an extremely successful driver of room nights and economic impact to the local community. In 2014, Warren County Sports generated 69,000 room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $38.4 million.
About the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground! With easy access from Interstates 71 and 75, visitors to Warren County can enjoy more activities within a 30-mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio.
The Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a professional destination marketing organization committed to economic growth by increasing overnight and year-round visitors.
Tourism is the leading industry in Warren County. The 8.3 million yearly visitors drive an economic impact of $1.063 billion and 11,866 tourism-related jobs.
For additional information, visit www.OhiosLargestPlayground.com or call 800-433-1072.