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Full Take: |
What's so great about GaREAT? Click here to read what Mark and Fletch have to think.
The Gospel according to Fletch:
There are those who might think the idea of building the GaREAT Complex here in Ashtubula County is crazy. But Fletch believes it will be a plus for not only the economy, but also a gem for the area.
Considering we are in the heart of the snowbelt, it seems to set spring sports back. When teams finally can hit the fields, there are can celled games due to wetness, or snow on them. By having the eight artificial infields not to mention batting cages, it could provide local teams a chance not to fall behind those from other areas of the state. This is a huge positive in my mind, as long as the school districts utilize them.
That goes ditto for the indoor tennis courts, as this sport also suffers in the fall when the elements turn bad. Not only does this give local teams a place to hold matches, but instead of traveling far, to a place such as Oberlin College for district action, because there are indoor courts, albeit just three, there is the potential to land an OSHAA contract.
I also feel that with the eight lane track, regional meets now being held at places such as Ravenna and Boardman, could be landed. These aren't great money makers, but they do bring thousands of dollars into the economy.
Soccer tournaments also bring in tons of money to areas that host them, such as North Olmsted, and with newer facilities and artificial turf fields it makes gaining a large one very prospective. This would enable youth leagues to play no matter what.
I think that the football facility would be an idea spot to host a playoff game, not to mention host the minor league team that currently plays at Perry and even potentially the Lake Erie College football team.
On thing that could occur with the complex, is the possibility of landing the Browns training camp here in the future. The indoor 80 yard field is a prime example of why they would seriously consider this. Although it is nearly an hour away from Cleveland, the facilities would have what an NFL team is looking for, and don't be surprised that like the old saying, " If you build it they will come," hotel and banquet facilities are not that far down the line. Having the Steelers in Latrobe is a boon to the local economy each summer. It is estimated that at least 52 percent of these fans stay at least one overnight. Landing the Browns would be a boon, and today most teams like areas close to where they are based, but also with plenty of area.
But the key to success in my mind is not the Browns, although that would be nice. Instead, it is securing tournaments year round. Fans and parents who travel to the area, will bring tourist dollars. Lets just suppose that 42,000 people make a trek to the facility each year for events. Yes that is a high number, but feasible. If that were to occur, and each person spent $50, it is an infusion of approximately $1.47 million dollars.
That would mean more jobs in the local economy as retail and restaurants would have to keep pace.
But there is one other thing that many have not realized when it comes to the athletic complex. Olympic sports. True most are based in Colorado, but this facility has all the modern tool necessary to entice a training program here. Just some fodder for thought, but in time I feel this will be a boon to the economy.
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Mark's thought:
If you are a resident of Ashtabula County or living in a surrounding community, you should be excited about GaREAT. This complex has the potential to make improvements to the area far beyond many of us can imagine. First the facility itself will draw much of the community together as well as draw in outsiders which in turn will add to the economic status of this county. The leaders of GaREAT have very high expectations and a very positive outlook about the near future.
Phase 1 is expected to be complete and ready for business by March 1st. Once the facility is open, I believe people will see an immediate positive affect on this area. One of the most encouraging aspects of this project is the support from the community. No tax dollars are being used to fund this project, which means that all money raised has been by donation, sponsor or government grants.
As the project progresses into multiple other phases, the Geneva area should begin to flourish. This project should cause a chain reaction across the community and many people should notice a positive difference. I’m excited for this project to be complete. It’s definitely a highlight to the area that everyone should be excited about.
The project will have a variety of activities for the local area to enjoy. Leagues, tournaments, recreational activities, and clinics will all be available for people to participate in. The facility is sparing no expenses and is aspiring to have the best of the best materials and facilities available. I can’t stress enough the effect this project should have on the community.
This project will not only draw in the attention of local residents, but many outsiders will be drawn to the facility. It’s unique and is sure to bring in premiere athletes in the future. Several clinics that will be available will feature professional athletes and that will bring in interested fans.
As for tournaments, possibilities are endless. This facility is huge and will have every type of field available for whatever type of weather strikes. This project is very well planned and the leaders of GaREAT have a vision that is sure to succeed. They have a lot of motivation and are very excited to have the first phase completed in the coming months.
We should all be excited. Once the facility is open, I think many people will understand what all the buzz is about.
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