Jeff Beaver
Charlotte Regional Sports Commission
By Henry Bostic
        
Sports Commission Executive Director, Jeff Beaver, told Charlotte Rotarians "March was incredible" for sports in Charlotte. With the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men's and women's basketball tournaments, the ACC men's basketball tournament, and the NCAA Eastern Regional men's finals, it was 'the best month ever for sports in the Charlotte Region."
 
It was "something to behold" and much of the success was due to the efforts of "more than 450 volunteers who got nothing but a t-shirt, jacket or hat for helping make these events possible." That success, Beaver said, is reflected in the 250,000-plus hotel room nights occupied in the Charlotte region in 2008, a record that may likely be broken in 2009.
 
The sports future in the Charlotte region is bright, the new grandfather noted. Just sealed for three more years - 2009 through 2011 - is the CIAA tournaments as well as the ACC football championship games in "2010, 2011 and beyond. I believe we will be like Atlanta and the SEC tournament. It will be so successful here they will decide to just stay put in Charlotte."
 
In answer to a question, the Charlotte native said he is positive about the possibility of the return of the ACC basketball tournament to the Queen City, even though the Time Warner Cable Arena's seating capacity is below 20,000.
 
"Based on the experience" at the tournament this year, Beaver said, the ACC is "rethinking" the issue. He said "I think we will" get the tournament in 2013. The ACC has the option to change that date with Greensboro.
 
Other future possibilities include the PGA Championship, a decision that would be up to Quail Hollow, Beaver said in response to another question about the U.S. Open coming to Charlotte. The U.S. Amateur will be in Charlotte in 2010.
Also possible in the not-to-distant future will be the return of the ACC Baseball Tournament, as early as 2012; the NCAA Division I Golf Tournament based on the recent success of the NCAA Division II tournament hosted with Belmont Abbey and the rise in stature of UNC Charlotte's team; the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament; and the NCAA Women's Final Four.
 
Elaborating on the baseball tournament, Beaver said ACC officials had told him after the success of the tournament at Knight's Stadium in Fort Mill that the tournament was "ours to keep" before the controversy over the Confederate Flag flying over the state capitol in Columbia led to the removal of all ACC tournaments from the state.
 
Final decisions regarding the baseball tournament depend on the resolution of issues regarding the building of the new baseball stadium in Center City Charlotte. Because of a change in ACC rules, Beaver said, the city cannot make a bid "until a stadium is in place."
 
Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights executive and Rotarian, told the Club that the last hurdle before construction can begin is resolution of the lawsuit. He said he expects a ruling this month and that the stadium will be ready for 2010 play.
 
Another area of interest for the commission is attracting sports organizations and teams to Charlotte. Charlotte is already home to USA Canoe/Kayak. Beaver noted that a potential target is the national governing body for swimming.
"We are on our way," the Morehead Scholar said. "What we need now is facilities, facilities, facilities, and put in a pitch for the $250 million Parks and Recreation bonds slated for a vote in November. In that package is funding for a Matthews Sportsplex which could become a venue for national and international soccer. It could also allow the city to again host the College Cup, the NCAA tournament for men's soccer.
 
In his nuts and bolts presentation about the commission, the former Baltimore Colts quarterback said it grew out of the very successful 1994 NCAA Men's Final Four, which until that time had the highest attendance of any final four with 23,500 seats in the recently demolished Charlotte Coliseum.
 
The non-profit was founded and formed by Mayor Richard Vinroot. Its purpose is to bring sporting events to Charlotte that benefits the region in two major areas: economic impact and quality of life.
 
The former Bank of America executive noted that Bill McMillan, the commission's director of marketing and business development is "on loan" to USA Canoe / Kayak as media relations director during the Summer Olympics. Bill will be in Beijing, working for USACK as well as the US Olympic Committee. His blog can be accessed through the Sports Commission Web site, www.charlottesports.com.
 
Beaver said he was especially proud of the more than $1.5 million the commission has raised to support the work of some 60 children's charities in the region. Among the events that raise the funds are the annual Carolina Panthers Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon at Charlotte Convention Center on Friday, August 22, 2008 and Fight Night for Kids.
 
A new event this year is the inaugural Hog Jog 5k on September 13, 2008 in association with Blues, Brews, and Barbeque festival. The race will start and finish in Charlotte's Center City, with runners passing through competitive barbecue teams striving to win a trip to the national "Memphis in May" BBQ competition. Hot music, cold beverages and great food will greet participants at the finish.
       
Head Table: Steve Meckler, Shay Merritt, Mac McCarley, Mike Crum, Dan Rajkowski, Karen McKemie;
Invocation: Phil Volponi;
Visitors & Guests: Gene Bratek; Health & Happiness: David Zimmerman; Song: Pam Jefsen, Music committee and David Erdman; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Dr. Archibold N. McIntosh passed away Friday, July 4th. Condolences are extended to Arch McIntosh and family.
    
• Bill Nichols has been promoted to Vice President for Campus Planning & Services at Queens University of Charlotte; Mary and Bill Staton received great press for their investing strategies; Bill Constangy's bio is included in the 2008 edition of Marquis' Who's Who in America; Thomas Moore, a member of the original summer theatre at CPCC, will attend a wine and food reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of the theatre. Thomas also sang God Bless America at Knight's Castle before the July 4th fireworks at the Knight's game.
   
• David Zimmerman recognized several club members who have served the Salvation Army. Past chairs of the Advisory Board: John Stedman, Ed Ruff, Catherine Browning, Tom Robertson; Board positions: Richard Bailey, Ray Killian, Frank Timberlake, John Snyder, Herb Harriss, and David Zimmerman.
 
• David Erdman received quite an ovation after singing a patriotic song that had been written by his mother, Mary, who was in attendance at the meeting on Tuesday.

• The Rotary Foundation of RI is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Object of Rotary, Rotary's mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national, and international humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs. Phil Volponi had the honor of recognizing several for their donations and support of The Rotary Foundation: John Armistead and Bill Staton, Paul Harris Fellow; Level One: Tom Cottingham and Warren Kean; Level 2: Gib Smith; Level 4: Bob Freeman, Robert Freeman, Katie Tyler.

• Chaperone Needed! The District is in need of a chaperone for a weekend trip to Ohio, July 11-13, with the outbound youth exchange group. If you are able to help out, please contact Lamar Thomas, 704-372-8615, immediately.
 

Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, contact the Rotary office by 7/14/2008.