Sports events drawn to Ozarks home court

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Springfield will host more sports events this year than ever before and plans to add still more in 1999, according to Ron Johnson, senior sales manager for the Tourist Information Center.

The Lake Country Soccer field will boast four boys' and girls' tournaments in '98 with 200 teams participating. That number has increased from 100 teams in previous years, Johnson said.

Softball, baseball, tennis, swimming, volleyball and basketball also crowd the sports agenda this year, offering something for everyone among sports enthusiasts.

Johnson said one reason Springfield is a popular place to locate tournaments is because local playing fields are so well-kept.

"We get compliments all the time from both participants and spectators," he said.

Another draw to the Queen City is the geographic location. Sportsmen, who often bring their families, look for activities for their spare time while they're here. Springfield offers easy access to Branson attractions, as well as being home to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

Springfield's central location is a plus for national teams coming from all parts of the country, and the room rates are more affordable here compared to bigger cities. The local hotels have worked aggressively to provide reasonable rates, Johnson said.

He added that teams typically ask three things after getting information about the sports facility: Do you have enough rooms? What is the price range? and What is there to do in our free time?

The Tourist Information Center is prepared with answers to inquiring teams, and sports events can bring in over a million dollars in ancillary revenue during the course of a 10-day tournament.

The Cooper Tennis Complex will host 18 championships this year, according to Kim Reser, community tennis manager for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

"This is one of our strongest years," Reser said.

For the first time Springfield will host the UTA Pro Championship. This tournament is one of the feeders into the professional arena, Reser stated.

Springfield's Lasers will kick off the professional season with a series of tournaments on the home court July 6-26. The team will also be in town for one week in September, Sept. 14-18.

Prior to the first tournament, the Cooper Complex will host a July 5 luncheon featuring Billy Jean King as keynote speaker. The luncheon, held at Stadium Court, is open to the public for a fee of $20 per person.

This summer the park board will sponsor a junior tennis league, free to participants, Reser said.

May 9 marks National Free Tennis Day and will begin the scheduled USA Tennis Free For All. From May 9 through May 25, free tennis classes will be held for youth and adult residents in and around Springfield. People are encouraged to bring their own rackets, although some equipment will be available.

Mark A. Nelson, recreational supervisor for the park board, said youth and adult softball leagues will soon begin their summer season.

Adult baseball starts at the end of March, and adult flag football begins April 11. Also in progress this spring is "Start Smart," a developmental program for kids 3 to 5 years old, which teaches the rudiments of sportsmanship on the playing field.

For established teams, several state, regional and national softball tournaments are scheduled this year, Nelson said.

The girls regional fast-pitch tournament, for ages 16 and under, is scheduled for July at Meador Park. In August, the Killian Complex will host a coeducational national championship.

People interested in forming a team may send for a registration packet, Nelson said. Each team must have a certified coach to enter competition. The park board provides instruction each spring on such issues as safety, liability, behavior and duties. Classes this year are set for the end of April through May.

Winter months are filled with youth and adult volleyball and basketball leagues. Local gyms also schedule free time, open to the public, at the O'Reilly, Oak Grove and Doling facilities. People interested in using the facilities can call the park board for a schedule, Nelson said.

Springfield has already booked the AAU girls' basketball tournament for 1999, according to Johnson.

"We are planning to get golf, more soccer, and track and field by next year," Johnson added. In the future, in-line skating and possibly ice hockey may be added to the growing sports agenda, he said.

"We are looking to continue to grow sports we do well to the next level and attract some we haven't done," Johnson said.

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