The Greensboro Sports Foundation has long been a pillar of the community, driving economic development through sports tourism and fostering local partnerships that enhance Greensboro’s quality of life. As the presenting sponsor for the 2024 Greensboro Parks Foundation Open, the Sports Foundation played a key role in raising more than $16,000 for improvements to the historic Gillespie Golf Course. This partnership exemplifies its dedication to making Greensboro a premier destination for sports and recreation.
A Legacy of Sports Tourism
The Greensboro Sports Foundation’s origins date back to the 1980s when it was established as the Greensboro Sports Commission under Tom Ward’s leadership. Formed to capitalize on Greensboro’s role as a hub for the ACC championships and other tournaments, the commission sought to elevate the city’s profile in the sports tourism industry. Investments in facilities like the Bryan Park Soccer Complex laid the groundwork for Greensboro’s reputation as a “Tournament Town.”
In 2018, the organization rebranded as the Greensboro Sports Foundation to prepare for hosting high-profile events such as the men’s and women’s ACC Basketball Championships and the NCAA First and Second Rounds in 2020. “The rebrand signaled a renewed focus on elevating Greensboro’s stature in sports tourism,” said Greensboro Sports Foundation President Richard Beard. “Even when the ACC headquarters relocated to Charlotte, we doubled down on our commitment to making Greensboro a premier destination for major tournaments.”
Although the pandemic disrupted the 2020 tournament schedule, Greensboro showcased its readiness to host world-class events. This effort paid off when the ACC tournaments returned in 2023, and the city secured future events, including the ACC Men’s Basketball Championship in 2027 and 2029.
Key Contributions to the Community
The Greensboro Sports Foundation’s impact extends beyond hosting marquee events. It has facilitated $5 million in improvements at the Bryan Park Soccer Complex and has been instrumental in enhancing other facilities like the Greensboro Aquatic Center. These venues not only attract visitors but also provide opportunities for the local community to engage in sports and recreation.
One of the Foundation’s flagship programs of support, Learn to Swim, equips 5,000 Guilford County second graders annually with lifesaving water skills. “The story of a young girl who overcame her fear of water through the Learn to Swim program and went on to be baptized is one of many that highlight the program’s transformative power,” Beard shared. Other areas of support include local youth programs like the Al Lowe Boxing Club, which serves more than 300 children, teens, and young adults annually.
The Foundation’s network of over 700 volunteers is vital to its success. These individuals assist with everything from coordinating school days for the ACC tournaments, timers on the pool deck at major sports events or volunteer support for many other events driving visitors to the area.
Collaborating for Community Impact
The Foundation’s partnerships are integral to its success, serving as the backbone of its efforts to promote sports tourism and enhance Greensboro’s recreational landscape. It collaborates with organizations like the Greensboro Parks Foundation and Greensboro Parks and Recreation to advance shared goals, such as revitalizing local recreational assets. Through its sponsorship of the 2024 Greensboro Parks Foundation Open, the Sports Foundation underscored its commitment to preserving and improving facilities like Gillespie Golf Course, ensuring they remain vibrant community resources.
The Greensboro Sports Foundation also maintains close relationships with key partners that help drive its mission forward. These include the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, City of Greensboro, Guilford Merchants Association, and the Wyndham Championship, among others. These collaborations amplify the Foundation’s ability to host world-class events, advocate for facility improvements, and elevate Greensboro’s status as a premier destination for sports tourism and recreation. “These relationships are key to our ability to host world-class events and advocate for facility improvements,” said Beard. “Whether it’s helping fund travel for the Al Lowe Boxing Club or sponsoring the Greensboro Parks Foundation Open, our goal is to create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.”
Looking Ahead
Under Beard’s leadership the Greensboro Sports Foundation is focusing on several key initiatives to expand its impact. These include:
- Improving Sports Facilities: Upgrading tennis courts at the Spencer Love Tennis Center and exploring public-private partnerships to develop pickleball courts at Hester Park.
- Revenue Generation: Advocating for a prepared food tax to fund facility improvements and youth sports programs, enabling Greensboro to compete with cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.
- Community Collaboration: Strengthening ties with local organizations to enhance recreational spaces, boost youth sports participation, and generate sustainable revenue to reinvest in facilities.
“We want to fix up sports and recreation fields across the city and get kids back into sports for health and wellness,” Beard emphasized. “Our vision is to make Greensboro’s facilities not just functional but exceptional.”
Get Involved
For those inspired by the Foundation’s mission, volunteer opportunities abound. With a robust network of dedicated individuals, the Greensboro Sports Foundation is always seeking passionate community members to contribute their time and talents to local events and initiatives.
By championing sports tourism, investing in facilities, and fostering community partnerships, the Greensboro Sports Foundation ensures that Greensboro remains a vibrant hub for sports, recreation, and economic development.
The Foundation’s Vision for the Future
As the Greensboro Sports Foundation looks ahead, its long-term goals include creating state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities that serve both residents and visitors. By deepening partnerships, securing funding, and addressing challenges like deferred maintenance, the Foundation aims to solidify Greensboro’s reputation as a vibrant hub for sports, recreation, and community growth.
“We want Greensboro Sports Foundation to be one of the leaders in the community promoting the benefits of sports, whether you’re a spectator or someone involved in the sport,” Beard said.
By championing sports tourism, investing in facilities, and fostering community partnerships, the Greensboro Sports Foundation is not only preserving Greensboro’s legacy as a “Tournament Town” but also building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
