Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1140472
A new hotel development and tennis facility is planned for Miramar, FL. Observing the principals Albert Tucker, VP of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale CVB, and City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam discuss ideas central to the project is like watching longtime tennis partners volley the economic ball back and forth with dexterity. If the tournament is tourism and creating opportunity for economic growth is a victory, tennis is a game to watch. According to the Tennis Industry Association's annual Economic Index, "The U.S. tennis economy grew 1% in and crossed the $6 billion threshold in 2017. The National Association of Sports Commissions' 2017 (i)Sports Tourism A State of the Industry Report(ei) offers, "Estimated visitor spending associated with sports events was $10.47 billion in 2016, an increase of 10% from one year ago ($9.45 billion)." Tennis enthusiast Tucker believes the facilities will we a windfall for Fort Lauderdale by providing a space for world-class tennis to be played in a world-class city. The American Tennis Education Foundation and American Tennis Association (ATEF/ATA) facility will be located in the Miramar Regional Park, surrounded by an aquatic center and a covered 5,000-seat amphithe- ater. The adjacent 125-room hotel will have space for events and meetings. Tucker stated that the development is in Phase II. The blue print is being drawn to specifications, the major chain hotel partner is being narrowed among competi- tors, and fundraising is underway. The project is scheduled to break ground in early 2020, and be com- pleted by 2021. Mayor Messam excitedly explained that "with the capability to host regional and national tournaments/events, over 30,000 people will be expected to be attracted to the ATA/ATEF Tennis & Education Complex annually. Tennis coaches, professionals and enthusiasts will benefit from the public private collab- oration of thee Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, the ATA, private funders and the major hotel chain anchoring the site. As an avid tennis fan, Tucker has sup- ported the ATA for decades. As VP of GFL CVB it is a natural blend of his profession- al purpose to expand tourism, and his pas- sion project to help create a permanent home for the historic ATA. The facility will The AMERICAN TENNIS ASSOCIATION and Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Team Up Katrina Adams, Chairman of the Board and President of the United States Tennis Association, addressing guests at the 2018 U.S. Open in support of the ATA/ATEF National Tennis Center to Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County. BY DENNIS B. ROGERS, PHD TENNIS ANYONE? B M & T ••• May/June 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 25 25