ATLANTA – State taxpayer funds would be available to help local communities bid to host sporting events under legislation approved Wednesday by the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
Viable bids usually require at least $100,000 to compete for so-called minor sporting events, like a disc golf tournament, boxing match or a collegiate rowing race. Bigger events can require a commitment of millions of dollars.
“Clearly, you’ve got to bid for these events,” said Committee Chairman Ron Stephens.
Often bids include providing a certain number of hotel rooms for officials and competitors as well as cash contributions.
Stephens, R-Savannah, sponsored House Bill 510 that creates a fund that local host organizations can tap into. The bill sets up a five-member panel to divvy up whatever money the legislature gives it each year, and the members are to include professional athletes, college coaches and athletic directors.
Rep. Buzz Brockway, R-Lawrenceville, asked if the state fund would be replenished from the proceeds of events, but Stephens said no.
“It ought to be a general appropriation from the members of this (legislative) body to make sure these appropriations are doing what they ought to be doing,” he said.
Annual reports are also aimed at monitoring the value of the funding.
Stephens noted that the tax generated by fans renting hotel rooms and cars and from buying meals and souvenirs should routinely exceed the state’s investment in the bids.
His proposal next heads to the full House for a vote. It must pass the House by the end of business on March 13 to remain viable during this year’s session. Even if it passes the House and Senate, the first funding would not likely come before July of next year.
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