Sportsplex Finishes 2011 Tournament Season
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The West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex batted .500 this year. According to city recorder Al Lafoon , the sportsplex did not make money and did not lose money. “(We had a ) very good year, we broke even. When you are paying off a $13.5 million complex. 12 years to break even is great,” said Lafoon. According to the Lafoon, the sportsplex is one year ahead of paying off the 12-year capital outlay notes. It is being funded by sales tax revenue, the hotel/motel tax and sponsorships. “It’s had an economic impact. Exit 85 is where it’s located and is probably five years ahead of the growth rate it would of had without the sportsplex,” Lafoon added. The baseball and softball teams that come from other states to play at the sportsplex have been great for local restaurants and hotels. Samuel Ward is the General Manager at Holiday Inn Express and Suites. “Bottom line in the summer the hotels in the area wouldn’t make it without the sports complex and the business they bring into the hotel.” According to sportsplex revenue manager Lynette Howell, the facility took in $1 million in revenue, including $173,000 in gift shop sales, $300,000 in admission sales and $330,000 in concession sales.
