The Greater Lansing Sports Authority (GLSA) held its annual meeting on March 13 and announced good news for the local economy and recognized numerous individuals with awards for their vision, dedication and loyalty to the Greater Lansing region.
The region reported a strong 62.8 percent occupancy rate for 2018, and overall hotel room demand increased to over 1,037,000 hotel room nights, according to Smith Travel Research (STR) data. Additionally, the Greater Lansing region experienced an increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR), or average cost per rented hotel room in 2018 compared to the previous year. The GLSA hosted 103 events in 2018 including seven national championship competitions. GLSA sports events drew over 386,000 athletes and spectators to the area, making a significant impact on the local economy. Lastly, the GLSA played a critical role in the creation of Lansing Ignite, Michigan's first and only pro soccer team, set to begin its inaugural season this April at Cooley Law School Stadium.
“The Greater Lansing community experienced another very strong year,” said Jack Schripsema, President and CEO of the GLCVB. “For the eighth consecutive year the GLCVB destination sales department exceeded its room night goal, the Greater Lansing Sports Authority once again broke the century mark for events hosted and the region saw an overall hotel room demand increase compared to the previous year.”
The Greater Lansing Sports Authority also honored community partners with awards at the annual meeting. The Community Champions program was created to recognize local residents for helping to secure/advocate for group business in the Greater Lansing area. The GLSA was proud to present Community Champion awards to Josh Ressio with the Battle for the Mitten Rugby event and Caitlyn Vermiglio and Eylise Packard with Stunt National Championships. To learn more about the GLSA community Champions click here.
The GLSA was proud to recognize the Capital City Crushers as Sport Partner of the Year and Michigan Youth Challenge Academy as Volunteer of the Year.
Sport Partner of the Year-Capital City Crushers
There is a good chance many in our community don’t realize how strong the sport of disc golf is in our region and how many stellar courses are located in the community. The Capital City Crushers are doing everything in their power to help elevate the sport, not only across Greater Lansing, but across the country. In 2018 the GLSA was fortunate to partner with the club to bid and host the Professional Disc Golf Associations Women’s Championship. While the club is no stranger to hosting great events, the Women’s Championship was a first for our region. The event even tied a record for the most entries ever in the competition. Because of the great work done by the club, Greater Lansing is on the map for future championship disc golf events.
Volunteer of the Year-Michigan Youth Challenge Academy
Traditionally we have recognized an individual with our Volunteer of the Year award. This year we have the opportunity to recognize an organization that not only provides volunteers for GLSA and other events, but one that is committed to providing a second opportunity for our region’s youth. Michigan Youth Challenge Academy offers young people between the ages of 16-18 a chance to change and improve their lives by incorporating eight core components that encourage physical, mental and moral development. Part of the program allows select youth the chance to serve their community through volunteer service. Michigan Youth Challenge has been a big supporter of GLSA driven events over the years and have been critical to the success of many events in the region. Volunteers are the back-bone of many of our events, the leadership and students at the Michigan Youth challenge Academy are always willing to volunteer and do so efficiently and effectively.
For more information about the Greater Lansing Sports Authority, visit www.lansingsports.org.
