Local Sports
USSSA event expected to bring $3.3 million in revenue to city
By Michael A. CummingsThe United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) baseball state championships are returning to Cullman, and city officials say the event will pump over $3 million into the local economy.
Today marks the start of a four-day, 130-team baseball event to be held at Heritage Park, Ingle Park and Field of Miracles. USSSA will crown five state champions in its nine- to 13-year-old divisions, according to tournament director Shelby Williams.
“It’s going to be huge,” said Williams. “This is probably the biggest tournament we’ve had at Heritage Park. I’ve been here 10 years, and it’s the biggest one I’ve seen.”
Of the 130 teams, 20 are from the Cullman area. A large percentage should also come from Birmingham and Huntsville, meaning local business could benefit from out-of-town spending.
According to Parks and Recreation Director John Hunt, the city could see an extra $3.3 million pumped into the local economy.
Hunt based his estimate on a formula used by the United States Softball Association that calls for $75 spent in the city by each person attending the event. He came up with what he called a “conservative estimate” using a multiplier of four days and another multiplier of five for the amount of times money is expected to change hands within the city.
“We expect people from out of town to spend the night and buy three meals a day,” said Hunt. “We conservatively estimate them spending $75 a day for that, but we all know that the cost of a hotel room can cover that by itself.”
Williams said several hotels around the area are already booked for the event, which will continue through Sunday. The final games are expected to be played Sunday evening at 8:15 p.m.
Tabitha Smothers, general manager of Hampton Inn Cullman, said her hotel is not full yet, though she expects it to fill up by tonight.
“When we have tournaments that bring in outside business, it’s usually one of our busiest times,” she said.
According to Smothers, Cullman’s central location can sometimes bring in fewer hotel guests.
“A lot of times, if people drive in from Birmingham or Huntsville, they don’t spend the night,” she said.
Williams said Cullman’s central location between the two cities makes it ideal to host youth baseball and softball tournaments. With the addition of Field of Miracles and the new Wellness and Aquatics Center to the city’s repertoire, Williams said Cullman is now able to bid for bigger events.
“We’re always excited (about the events),” said Williams. “We love what we do. Each year, it’s just grown and grown and grown.”
Michael Cummings can be reached by e-mail at michaelc@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 258.
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