1. Tennis Anyone?
In case you missed it, a recent proposal to bring the Western & Southern Open to Charlotte is gaining serious steam. Whether or not you’re a tennis fan, this is a BIG DEAL. It is a tournament that has been held since the late 1800s and boasts a crop of champions with names like McEnroe, Sampras, Agassi, Federer, and Djokovic. Also, several female champions made their mark with this tournament, including Davenport, Clijsters, and Sharapova. Perhaps the most famous winner, male or female, was Serena Williams, the 2014 champion. This is a significant tournament, and outside of the four majors, is one of the nine annual events in which the most highly ranked players compete.
Here’s how it plays out for us in Charlotte: Project ‘Break Point’ would involve the construction of 4 major stadiums, 40+ hard, clay, and indoor tennis courts as well as an indoor pickleball facility. Other components include a 45,000 square foot player/academy building, park, greenway trail connection, and an amphitheater. The location would be on the site of the currently-under-construction River District, a 1,400-acre master-planned community conceived by Crescent Communities and a key reason for our ability to attract this tournament.
The project cost is estimated at approximately $400 million. So far, the City of Charlotte has committed $65 million with Mecklenburg County allocating up to another $30 million. The State of North Carolina is considering an investment in the neighborhood of $25 million with the remaining amount, about two-thirds of the overall cost, coming from Beemok Sports, LLC.
See the below links for additional details:
Charlotte City Council Budget Appropriation
Mecklenburg County Budget Appropriation
My take: It’s rare when multiple government entities react so favorably to an opportunity in such a rapid fashion, especially when it involves the expenditure of funds. At the outset, this looks to have a pretty huge upside and adds another sporting jewel to the crown of the Queen City. Perhaps Panthers Owner David Tepper could learn a few things from the Beemok folks on how to be a true community partner.
2. Candidates Lining Up to File for Office
Filing for local offices opened at noon on July 7th and remains open until noon on Friday, July 21st. Just three days in we have learned there will be some leadership changes. Mooresville will have a new Mayor as Miles Atkins has decided not to seek another term. Musical chairs will be played in Charlotte as some new faces have appeared on the ballot for City Council. Below are some links to the Board of Elections in each county within our coverage area. Take the time now to ensure your voter registration is active and become informed about important election dates. We’ll be providing additional background on the candidates once filing closes.
Mecklenburg County Board of Elections
Iredell County Board of Elections
Cabarrus County Board of Elections
Gaston County Board of Elections
Union County Board of Elections
My take: If you don’t like how your government is currently being run, this is your opportunity to do something that could result in a better outcome. However, be careful and make sure you understand completely the candidate’s plan, their ability to carry it out, and the experience they have or lack. Promises are tempting but ability is what gets things done. Also, don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Know of a candidate that can provide leadership and deliver some of the solutions to the challenges we face as a community and a region? SHARE that information with your tribe, your friends, and your sphere of influence, now!
BONUS: Mayor Lyles and Ed Driggs Event Rescheduled!
Same event, different day, due to the postponement of this event last month – Room 101 of the Canopy Building. Check out our website for event details!
Rob Nanfelt
Executive Director, REBIC