In an effort to attract more sporting events to the Gainesville area, the city has created a new organization called The Greater Gainesville Sports Alliance.
Gainesville Tourism Director Robyn Lynch said the economic impact of sports in the city is big, but the group thinks it can be bigger.
"We track the tourism economic impact every year and we look at all the groups that visit us," Lynch told WDUN's Newsroom on Wednesday. "Consistently every year eight out of the top 10 economic drivers when it comes to tourism are all related around sports."
Lynch said Gainesville traditionally has done well attracting tournaments and special events to places like the Allen Creek Soccer Complex or the Lanier Point Softball Complex - and of course, Lake Lanier Olympic Park - but she said there's room for much more.
"Some of the things that we've been going after that are new are lacrosse tournaments because that's becoming very popular," Lynch said. "We're [also] talking to some gymnastics clubs."
The Alliance has created a sports planning guide to give tournament and event organizers an in-depth look at the amenities available in the city - and not just the facilities where the sporting events themselves will take place.
"Hotels and accommodations are always key to bringing in overnight tournaments...because the athlete and the family experience is important, especially for groups to continue to come back, so it's important to have the hotels and restaurants involved with planning," Lynch said.
Among the other assistance being offered by Alliance members - marketing and social media support and event sponsorship and funding guidance.
The next meeting of the Great Gainesville Sports Alliance will be a networking reception at Lake Lanier Olympic Park at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road on Thursday, May 20 at 4 p.m.
