On Friday morning, Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller announced plans to invest SPLOST funds to expand recreational facilities and promote sports tourism to help grow the local economy.
MACON, Ga. (41NBC/WMGT) – Sports have always been a part of Macon-Bibb County's cultural heritage. With current and future investments in leisure activities, the district now aims to become a center for sports tourism.
From historic landmarks like the Luther Williams Baseball Field to newly constructed indoor pickleball courts, there are plenty of opportunities for recreation in the county.
That's why Macon-Bibb County leadership and community partners like Visit Macon are working to expand recreational amenities and promote sports tourism.
It's a plan that Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller calls “recession-proof.”
“Expanding our tourist recreational offerings means a lot in dollars and cents,” Mayor Miller said Friday. “It gives us an opportunity to attract new people to come into our community and spend money, and also give our kids an opportunity to play here locally.”
Vantrel Grayer, the founder and coach of the Macon Elite Amateur Athletic Union basketball program, says the expansion will help build community and create more opportunities for Macon's youth.
“It’s just a positive influence,” Grayer said. “This is what I love. Just seeing kids just being kids, having fun, competing and doing the things they love.”
Grayer explained that local teams often travel to the Atlanta area or other states for sporting events. Expanding local facilities to accommodate more sports programs and tournaments will not only reduce travel burdens but also generate revenue from visiting teams.
“One of the best things that can happen to us is other teams from other states coming here and just competing at a high level,” Grayer said.
Mayor Miller says 54% of every dollar spent on tourism stays in the local economy and the revenue generated from sports tourism can help create jobs, support small businesses and strengthen the county as a whole.
He says the progress that has already been made with recreational facilities in the county is thanks to community support for a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
“We’ve also put ourselves back on the sports map, we have the facilities and good bones,” said Mayor Miller. “We just need to reinvest a few SPLOST dollars into these projects to ensure they are successful and Macon will once again be a destination for everyone across the state.”
Mayor Miller says the county is already booking sports tournaments for next spring and he expects to submit proposals for expansion as early as January.
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