Boone Area Sports Commission Transitions

Tourism is an important part of our High Country economy, and a direct focus on sports tourism is becoming increasingly beneficial for communities across the country.

In late 2018, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Boone worked with several community partners to create the Boone Area Sports Commission, which has served as a community driver for sports events for the past eight years. While disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene proved to be curveballs for the organization, we have enjoyed many successes over the years, including:

• Public support of the creation of the Watauga County Recreation Center, and its ability to host various events as part of its business model.
• Host of the 2019 Ted Mackorell Soccer Classic, which laid the foundation for the creation of Appalachian FC.
• Partner to App State Athletics for a successful five-year run of hosting of the SoCon Wrestling Championships at the Holmes Convocation Center
• Partner organization to Capstone Events for the creation of the Mountaineer 10-miler, which was held earlier this month and hosted over 850 participants.
• Partner organization to two successful Tar Heel League State Baseball Tournaments, following the lead of Watauga County Parks & Recreation.
• Volunteer coordination, hospitality partner, and general supporter of dozens of youth and adult sports events over the BASC's tenure.

This would not have been possible without the work of our founding Executive Director, Roachel Laney, and our current Executive Director, Reggie Hunt.

Both used their extensive connections to help support and foster current events, while relying on their networks in the athletic community to bring new opportunities to our market. We thank both Roachel and Reggie for their dedication to this effort, and for the thoughts and wisdom they brought to the sports tourism landscape in the High Country.

As this venture was started as a joint partnership, we are excited to announce that Explore Boone will take over as the fiscal agent of this important work beginning July 1, 2026. As we sunset the Boone Area Sports Commission, we know this method of organization will be both more efficient and also bring the business of sports tourism in-line with how most similar efforts are operated throughout the state.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce remains a committed partner as it relates to efforts to grow the sports tourism sector of our community, and we look forward to continuing our work with Explore Boone on this project in an advisory capacity. 

Explore Boone is well positioned to attract and grow sports tourism opportunities in Watauga County, and we look forward to working alongside them to create a true homefield advantage that will benefit us all.

Sincerely,

David Jackson, President/CEO

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce