A Conversation With ... Larry Krauck

I’m the sports sales manager for the CVB and interim director of the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission, which is managed by the CVB.

Springfield was named a SportsTown USA city by Sports Illustrated in 2003. What impact has that had on the local sports industry?

It helped establish a sense of community pride, and it shows sports associations throughout the country that Springfield is serious about sports.

What are some of the bigger sports events that are headed to Springfield in the next several months? What’s the largest sports event that you’ve helped bring to the city?

The Missouri Youth Soccer Association State Cup, June 9–14, which should (bring) more than 200 teams and about 8,000 people to Springfield; and the Amateur Athletic Union 11 and Under Girls National Basketball Tournament June 22–July 1 with about 80 teams and about 4,000 people.

The largest sporting event the CVB has helped secure and (serve as) host was the 2004 Missouri Youth Soccer Association State Cup, the same event we’re (having) this summer. But in 2004, it had 247 teams that stayed for a minimum of five days, making it the largest single sports event Springfield has ever had. More than 12,000 people from all over Missouri came to Springfield for the tournament.

What are some of the main reasons sports events come to the Ozarks?

Quality facilities, great local host groups and inexpensive accommodations and amenities compared to other cities. Springfield’s central location also makes it easily accessible for teams across the country.

Of course, the Cardinals are now in town; did that help put Springfield on the map among sports entities?

Yes, the Springfield Cardinals have given us a team we can passionately call our own, rally behind and support. Springfield went too long without a team that belongs to us! The facility is top-notch. The management and staff at the Springfield Cardinals are always willing to work with us in any way to promote local events and help bring in future events.

What are some of the major challenges in your work? How do you deal with them?

My major challenge is to find more local entities that want to bring sporting events to Springfield. Currently, we work with the (Springfield/Greene County) Park Board, Lake Country Soccer, Missouri Valley Magic and many others. Without their support, enthusiasm and eagerness to bring these events to Springfield, we are unable to do our job.

How did you get into this line of work?

I worked in FM radio promotions and event creation and sales for nearly eight years. In 1999, I heard of this opportunity at the CVB and thought it was a way to use my past experiences and contacts and learn a new side of the event industry.

What role does the sports industry have on Springfield’s economy? Can you give us a recent example?

Springfield’s economy is strong in part because of tourism and sports. My role in that is to work with local groups to bring sports events to the city. These events bring thousands of people to Springfield every year who stay in our hotels, eat in restaurants and spend money in our stores. They also give us a chance to show off our great city to people from all parts of the country who may not visit Springfield otherwise.

The upcoming AAU and MYSA State Cup events are great examples. Both events have teams staying in our area for at least five days. Hotels, restaurants and retailers will definitely see the impact of sports tourism on their bottom line in June.

What are some of your favorite sports? Do you play, or are you a spectator?

I’m more of a spectator than an athlete, and I prefer seeing a sport up close rather than on TV. I have truly become a fan of the Springfield Cardinals and hope we can make it all the way this season. The one sport I do enjoy playing is paintball. Not only is it fun, but I also enjoy the camaraderie with my son.

Tell us about your family and your other spare-time interests.

My wife Stacy, who works for Medical Direct Marketing in Springfield, and I have two children. Travis is 15 and runs track at Kickapoo. Our 10-year-old daughter, Danielle, is a gifted artist. In my spare time, I enjoy restoring classic cars and spending time with my family.