Missouri Winter Games starts in Springfield

Jeff Collins, who spent about five years in sales and marketing with various southwest Missouri companies, has chosen Springfield as the birthplace of his Missouri Winter Games.

About 2,000 athletes will participate March 3–5 in 11 scheduled events, including gymnastics, volleyball and swimming.

Tourist dollars

Collins said athletes will travel from as far away as Minnesota and Texas. He expects 2,000 to 2,500 out-of-town visitors for the three-day event.

Using Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau’s formula, that could mean up to $500,000 spent at Springfield hotels, restaurants, retailers, grocery stores and gas stations during the weekend.

CVB Executive Director Tracy Kimberlin said the bureau is looking forward to the event.

“We’ve worked with Jeff since the beginning and tried to help him any way we can to put it together,” Kimberlin said. “We think it’s a great idea; we hope it’s successful this year and will continue to grow.”

Business sponsors

Collins said businesses have been supportive with nine signing on as sponsors, including CoxHealth, Great Southern Bank and Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. (See the box on page 29.)

Collins estimated the cost of the event at about $120,000, which includes paying judges and officials, equipment rental and setup, marketing, promotional materials and startup costs.

Hammons Hotels, an event sponsor, is setting aside a block of rooms at University Plaza for visitors during the three-day period.

Spokesman Scott Tarwater said the company was impressed with Collins’ preparation.

“As we reviewed Jeff’s proposal and all the work he had done, we felt that it would be beneficial for the community, beneficial for the businesses of Springfield, and it would bring business in at a time when we really need all of the business we can get,” Tarwater said.

Oasis Inn & Convention Center, Quality Inn & Suites and the hotels of Walker Hospitality Group – LaQuinta Inn South, Days Inn South and Baymont Inn & Suites – are all offering discounted rates for event participants and spectators.

While Greg Walker of Walker Hospitality Group doesn’t think the event will have a huge impact this first year, he sees a good opportunity for the future.

“We are getting room nights out of it, and I’m sure other hotels in Springfield will as well. But we really hope that every year down the road it will get bigger and bigger, especially since Springfield owns the event,” he said. “In the hotel mind, this is the best time to put on an event like this.”

While the other hotels are not setting aside specific rooms, those discounted rates could help to fill rooms during a time when occupancy rates are traditionally about 20 percent slower than the summer peak times in July and August. The hotels are offering a $69.95 rate for participants, $10 to $20 less than the typical room rate, according to Walker.

CoxHealth is offering both athletic trainers and monetary assistance for the event. CoxHealth marketing spokeswoman Rosemary Lewis said the hospital saw an opportunity to further its mission through the event.

“We got involved because at CoxHealth our number one priority is the community’s health,” Lewis said. “Whether it’s prevention or treatment or promotion of healthy lifestyles, we wanted to make sure to help advance a community-based effort that engages people in physical activity and fitness.”

Closer Look

Jeff Collins got the idea for the inaugural Missouri Winter Games from the time he spent participating in events such as the Show-Me State Games in sports including basketball, football and shotokan karate. But the Winter Games is Collins’ own baby and not meant to compete with the Show-Me State Games.

Missouri Winter Games’ 11 scheduled events include basketball, which was completed in late January. Collins said he hopes to add more events in coming years, including ice hockey and figure skating.

Missouri Winter Games Sponsors

Clarion Hotel

CoxHealth

Great Southern Bank

John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts

Missouri Film Association

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.

Oasis Inn & Convention Center

Quality Inns & Suites

Walker Hospitality Group