PIMA COUNTY SPORTS & TOURISM
AUTHORITY
The Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority was established on April 1, 2008
by the Pima County Board of Supervisors as authorized by A.R.S. 11-701 with
specific policy initiatives from the Board. Among these charges are:
A) the creation of an International Spring Training in Tucson which
may include Japanese teams (NPB), Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, and
whatever other countries that are applicable for the foreseeable future;
B) expanding the opportunities for professional sports development in
Pima County by attracting additional Major League Baseball teams for spring
training, as well as appropriate Minor League Baseball teams; and
C) developing significantly increased amateur sports athletic opportunities
directed to youth, including the development of appropriate competition sites
for competitive amateur sports, including, but not limited to, soccer, baseball,
softball, basketball, and volleyball.
The PCSTA has contracted a respected professional company (Baseball’s
International Group) to negotiate with major league teams from Japan. The PCSTA
has worked closely with Major League Baseball on the concept of including Japanese
teams in Spring Training. Under the proposal being developed, a Japanese team
would practice and play at least 15 games at Kino Sports Complex as early as
2011 if an agreement is reached. Our consultants made two separate trips to
Japan to work with the teams on achieving that concept. Discussions are still
ongoing with the Nippon Baseball League, the equivalent of the Commissioners
Office for MLB.
The PCSTA initiatives will affect everyone in the community with the primary
impact on the local business community. Hotels, restaurants, rental car companies,
retail and other local businesses count on the additional visitor traffic during
the spring training season. Spring training touches just about every industry
in Southern Arizona throughout the entire year, not just during the 4-6 weeks
they are in town. Both existing spring training facilities employ local residents
and purchase good and services locally year-round.
The Pima County Sports & Tourism Authority is committed to the economic
growth of Pima County AND providing better facilities for the kids.
Please contact Jim Arnold, Executive Director of the Pima County
Sports and Tourism Authority, at 520.243.7350 or Jim.Arnold@pima.gov for more information.
For tickets, call the Kino Sports Complex at: 520.434.1367
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