HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-08-2025; 4 - Soccer.com Center Report 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 4
SUBJECT: Soccer.com Center Report
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
& Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Soccer.com Center Report with: David Stancil, 919-245-2522
• Soccer.com Center Aerial
• Soccer.com Center Expansion
Aerial
• October 1, 2024 Soccer.com
Center Naming Rights Agreement
Renewal Abstract Package
• Girls and Boys Showcase Events
PowerPoint Presentation
PURPOSE: To receive a status report on the Soccer.com Center, a 34-acre soccer complex
operated by the County in western Orange County."
BACKGROUND: The Soccer.com Center opened in 2009, constucted with the "Soccer
Superfund" monies from the 2001 County Parks and Open Space Bond.
As outlined in the attached report, the complex includes five (5) full-size fields and one (1) practice
field, and is co-located with Gravelly Hill Middle School on West Ten Road. The School and Center
were designed and constructed at the same time in order to optimize infrastructure and parking
opportunities. In 2011, locally-based sports equipment firm, Sports Endeavors, secured naming
rights for the facility, under the company's Soccer.com (previously Eurosport) brand.
The facility has proven to be a desirable location for primarily soccer, but also lacrosse and
ultimate frisbee play. When the facility was built, it was intended to meet both 1) a need for soccer
fields for local recreational soccer programs, and 2) a site for soccer tournaments from across the
region, State and beyond. The Center has been in high demand for both of these functions over
the years, and in 2016 an adjacent 37-acre tract was acquired for expansion of the Center. While
there are future soccer fields planned in the County, Orange County at present has only one (1)
soccer field at Efland Cheeks Park and another at the Central Recreation Center in addition to
those at Soccer.com.
The fields at Soccer.com are heavily used for both weeknight recreational soccer play and
weekend tournament soccer during both the spring and fall seasons. The facility, which features
a highly-manicured natural grass Bermuda playing surface, operates from mid-March into early
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June, and again from mid-August until early December. Staff at the Center spend a significant
amount of time marking and lining any of 20 different field configurations for the upcoming week's
play. In FY 2023-24, 474 reservations were made for field use at the Center, with almost 155,000
total visitors (head count). Field usage fees are examined periodically by comparison with other
like facilities and were most-recently adjusted in 2023.
After a significant drop in FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 revenues due to COVID closure and a
return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, the Soccer.com Center generated $205,362 in revenue
in FY 2023-24, with expenditures of $238,743 in direct costs ($408,406 if all personnel and other
expenses are added). Staff is proposing new revenue generating concepts for FY 2025-26,
including charging for tournament parking.
The Center also participates in many large tournaments, the biggest of which is the annual Boys
and Girls Soccer Showcase events. These two tounaments, now held in early December, attract
teams from all over North America and beyond. The Showcase events, which happen at several
locations across the Triangle, are an opportunity for top high school players to be seen by
collegiate recruiters from all across the country. As such, these two (2) weekend events bring in
thousands of players, coaches, parents and others to the facility and the area, generating
economic impact well beyond the facility's revenues generated. A recent assessment by the
Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau of the 2024 College Series Soccer Showcases
reflected $2.25 million in direct business sales generated, and $3.3 million in total busines sales
(see attached report).
The Soccer.com Center is widely considered to have outstanding playing surfaces, but there are
limitations both in the number of playing fields and existing infrastructure, and the need for
improvements to the facility. After 15 years of intense use, field and irrigation improvements will
be needed in the next several years to keep the existing fields in prime condition. Additionally, the
planned expansion of the facility would increase playing fields but perhaps more importantly
address longstanding issues of additional parking and restrooms, etc.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to receiving the report. Proposals to upgrade
existing facilities and construct a new expansion of the Center exist in the Capital Investment Plan
and will be considered in the current and future year budget discussions. Proposals to increase
revenues at the facility are also being proposed and pursued.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 1. Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other cultural events
for residents and visitors.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive and discuss the
report, providing feedback to the Manager and staff as desired.
AND
Soccer. Com Center
Status Report
Imp-
April 8, 2025
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Overview of the Soccer.com Center
Located in western Orange County on West Ten Road just south of Interstate 85/40, the
Soccer.Com Center was designed specifically as a destination for local and regional
soccer tournaments and to accommodate the increasing demand for soccer fields in
Orange County for recreational soccer. A master plan for the Center was prepared in
2004 in conjunction with the planning for the adjacent Gravelly Hill Middle School.
Funding to complete the project was authorized by the Board of County Commissioners
in 2007. Construction was finalized and the Center began operation in August 2009.
That same year, local sports equipment company Sports Endeavors, Inc. purchased the
naming rights for the facility — initially known as Eurosport Soccer Center before
transitioning into new branding with the same company as the Soccer.com Center in
2014.
The Soccer.Com Center as shown in Attachment 1 occupies 34 acres and includes five
full-sized Bermuda grass fields (360 feet x 225 feet) and one practice/youth field (120
feet x 240 feet). To protect the highly manicured field surfaces for tournaments and
scheduled play, the facility is fenced and gated and not open for unscheduled use. The
fields are equipped with lighting and surrounded by a perimeter walking track. A building
inside the gate includes a concession stand, restrooms, and a shade shelter. A facility
maintenance shop and offices are also part of the structure. Due to the nature of the
playing surfaces and the frequency of use, the Center requires and receives a high level
of maintenance by onsite staff and the Turfgrass Manager. The only other soccer fields
owned and operated by Orange County are located at Efland Cheeks Park (a shared
baseball outfield) and an informal practice field behind the Central Recreation Center.
The facility is in high demand from March — early December. Many tournaments and
events are scheduled throughout the year (please see Section 3 — Usage Data). In
addition, Orange County is a heavy user of the facility for the County's burgeoning
recreational soccer leagues. Youth soccer has consistently ranked as one of, if not the,
leading recreation/athletics program for the County's Department of Environment,
Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR). The Recreation Division is a regular user
of the facility for recreational soccer as noted, and the Parks Division is responsible for
the facility maintenance and operation. The DEAPR Business office handles naming
rights and other licenses.
The Soccer.Com Center is part of the County's commitment to quality recreational
opportunities, and the facility has been lauded for its high-quality field surface
maintenance and this serves to attract regional and multi-state tournaments, providing
an economic boost to surrounding businesses (please see Economic Impact). Soccer is
the primary use of the Center, but it is not the only sport to use the facility, with lacrosse
and ultimate frisbee also holding tournaments and events on occasion.
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In the 15 years since its opening, the Center has become a regular destination for many
soccer organizations and users. Despite its successes, the facility faces challenges in
the future in part due to this success. Demand for soccer fields, and the paucity of other
nearby fields, mean that time on the complex is hard to come by. Improvements to the
center's playing surfaces and irrigation system will be needed in the new few years.
Capacity concerns have existed for several years now and there is a continually
growing demand for field usage — including requests for extending the season beyond
best management practices for Bermuda grass surfaces.
To address this need for more fields and related infrastructure, the County purchased an
adjacent 37 acres just to the east in 2016 for a Center expansion (please see
Attachment 2). This expansion will allow the facility to address longstanding concerns
about available parking, restrooms, and other needs. Increasing the number of fields in
Orange County would expand opportunities for recreational programming, as well as
creating the potential for larger tournaments.
1. Soccer.com Center - Operations
The Soccer.com Center operates two soccer seasons' each year. The Spring season
runs from March into the first week of June), and the Fall season runs from mid-August
through the end of October (with the Soccer Showcase event as a special event in the
last weekend of November/ first two weekends of December). During these seasons,
the facility is available for play Tuesday-Sundays. Generally, Tuesday and Thursday
evenings are dedicated for Orange County recreation soccer league play (rainouts on
Wednesdays). Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are available for tournament play, via
reservation.
Mondays and most Fridays are dedicated to cleanup from weekend play and for
mowing and preparing fields for weekend tournaments. Mondays are also used for
preventative maintenance. This would include work such as irrigation repair or sod
placement. The Turfgrass Manager (a certified applicator) applies any fertilizer/chemical
applications needed, or horticultural practices such as slicing and aerifying.
Tuesday is used to paint the fields in the complex for the upcoming week's play. With
five full sized fields and one youth/practice field, there are up to twenty possible field
configurations that may be needed depending on the age groups and field sizes
scheduled for the week. The fields are painted according to the user groups for the
week. Mowing, weed trimming, sidewalk edging, and blowing off natural areas are all
done on Wednesdays during the day prior to field usage. Weekend rental field needs
are marked on Thursdays and early Fridays. Goals, benches, and flags must be moved
and set up each time field layouts are changed, which happens on a regular basis.
1 Soccer seasons have evolved over the years,and some groups now look to begin in February, and end in
November for example.This poses issues for Bermuda grass fields,which are dormant.
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6
The facility is closed during the summer (mid-June — mid-August), as little organized
play occurs during these months. Summer is also the time when the bulk of the turf
maintenance is performed so as not to disrupt play. Aerifying, topdressing, verticutting,
and sodding are all scheduled during these months to allow the grass time to fully
recover from the previous season's play.
Staff at the Soccer.com Center consists of a Park Manager, a Park Coordinator, and a
few part-time seasonal staff that work March through early December. However, due to
job market challenges, finding seasonal staff in recent years for these roles has become
increasingly difficult.
Winter work includes preventative maintenance on equipment and the entire facility and
continuing education for staff. Data collection, budget reports and requests are also
prepared during the winter. In February, a pre-emergent solution is applied for weed
contro12 and field layouts are prepared for the upcoming season.
2. Sponsorships and Naming Rights
As previously noted, the "West 10 Soccer Center" opened in 2009. It provides a venue
primarily dedicated to youth sports, but designed for all ages and levels of play,
promoting active lifestyles, teamwork, fitness, fun and assisting people of all ages to
achieve personal potential.
In 2008, Orange County contracted with a firm to identify and contact potential sponsors
for the West 10 complex. Two potential sponsors were identified at that time — Sports
Endeavors and Triangle Orthopedic Associates.
Sports Endeavors is a local corporation located in Hillsborough. The company is one of
the largest sports equipment retail and mail order companies in the United States.
Sports Endeavors became the main sponsor with naming rights to the facility in 2008
and has supported the facility since its inception. A second sponsorship began in 2011
for the naming rights of the concession stand. However, the company that purchased
those rights subsequently merged in 2018 and the new firm opted not to renew the
$8,000 naming rights license.
The County just renewed the contract with Sports Endeavors in 2024 for the next five
fiscal years. Staff is currently searching for new sponsors to replace the concession
stand contract and explore sponsorships for other Center amenities.
The current sponsorship agreement with Sports Endeavors will run through June 30,
2029. (Please see Attachment 3). Within the agreement Sports Endeavors has the
exclusive right to retain the facility name Soccer.com or other facility name agreed upon
by Sports Endeavors and the County for the facility. For the naming rights Sports
z Orange County does not use Round-Up at its facilities.
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Endeavors agrees to pay the County $35,000 per year, plus up to $10,000 per year for
the contract period in matching funds from other sponsor businesses and/or donors to
the facility.
Furthermore, the agreement allows for signage in the facility recognizing Soccer.com
including banners, flags, picnic tables and displays of the Soccer.com logo. Sports
Endeavors has the right to utilize the facility for company events on occasion and must
reimburse the County for any reasonable and related fees or costs incurred by the
County associated with a company event.
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3. Facility Usage Data / Total Visitors
The following table shows a listing of the users of the Soccer.com Center for the past
two fiscal years (FY 23-24, followed by FY 22-23), including number of reservations and
number of participants:
FY 2023-24
Organization/ HH Rsv Count • Total Arnt
Carolina Velocity 169 9300 $ 9,292.50
Eno River Academy 73 3600 $ 3,737.50
Expedition School 10 1000 $ 600.00
N C F C 78 78007$ 19,450.00
North Carolina Adult Soccer Associati, 9 450 $ 725.00
Orange County 220 53000 $ 54,240.00
TFDA 10 105000 $ 66,427.50
Triangle United Soccer 125 27800 $ 17,640.00
FY 1 • 154950 $117,872.50
Reservations by User Group 23-24
250
220
200
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TFDA—Triangle Flying Disc Association; NCFC—NC Football Club
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FY 22-23
Organization/ HH Rsv Count . Revenue
Carolina Velocity 22 2200 $ 2,187.50
Emerson Waldorf Scho 6 1800 $ 315.00
Eno River Academy 51' 5100' $ 2,730.00
N C F C 36 7200 $ 5,800.00
Orange County 211 44000 $47,522.00
TFDA 10 47400 $52,429.50
Tri a ngl e Un ite d Socce r r 143 35020 $16,170.00
FY 22-23 Totals 479 • $79,632.00
Reservations by User Groups 22-23
250
220
N 200
° 169
m 150
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78 73
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Users
There was a rate increase incorporated in FY 2023-24 which explains much of the
increases in revenue shown for that year. It is also worth noting that while being the
most-frequent user at the facility, County Recreation soccer leagues only use the facility
on midweek nights, times which are less in demand. While there are no rental fees from
this usage, there is revenue that comes from youth soccer league registration — and this
is reflected in the tables.
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4. Fee Structure
Staff looks at comparable rates in other jurisdictions for soccer field usage every few
years, to ensure that the schedule of charges is in range with those in other locations.
The table below shows the rates in place at present. The County did adjust its rates to
the amount shown below in 2024, based on a usage fee review.
Tournament Per
Location Per hour Field Cost Hour Field Cost Light Fee Type
Orange County Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 50.00 $ 35.00 Soccer Fields Grass
Durham Parks and Recreation $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass
Raleigh Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 25.00 Soccer Fields Grass
Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation $ 30.00 $ 30.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass-Youth
$ 45.00 $ 45.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass-Adult
Apex Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Field Grass
Chatham Parks and Recreation $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 35.00 Soccer Field Grass
Rates for large soccer complexes that are multi-jurisdictional or public/private
operations are also reviewed periodically. As noted in the table above, this assessment
was done for other natural grass soccer fields and complexes. Rates for use of
synthetic turf fields are higher than for grass fields, in general.
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5. Revenues and Expenditures
The following chart on page 9 shows revenues compared to expenditures for the
Soccer.com Center for the last five fiscal years.
Total revenues include items such as:
• Field usage fees
• Concession sales
• Sponsorships, and
• Recreation soccer program registration fees
Expenditures are calculated in two different ways. Total expenditures include both direct
and indirect costs including personnel, and include items such as:
• Full-time and temporary staff salaries and benefits
• Supplies for field maintenance and facility maintenance (field paint, restrooms,
etc)
• Contract services for field specialty maintenance
• Concession supplies
• Utility costs (electricity, water/sewer, natural gas)
• Equipment repairs
• Recurring capital improvements (under $100,000), and
• Other operating costs
Also included on the last row are direct expenditures, which include those items listed
above except for full-time staff salary and benefits. Note: The industry standard typically
compares revenues to direct expenditures (row three) and does not include the cost of
full-time staff salaries and benefits.
As can be seen in the following table, revenues and expenditures have increased over
the five-year period. The highest category of revenue generally comes from field rental
fees, with the largest area of expenditures coming from personnel and increased
operating costs (post-pandemic).
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Revenues and Expenditures
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
Revenue $ 82,940 $ 35,000 $ 87,917 $ 146,982 $ 205,362
Expenditures $ 265,461 $ 183,113 $ 225,551 $ 314,415 $ 408,406
Expenditures* $ 205,335 $ 121,397 $ 164,371 $ 213,482 $ 255,603
*Minus FTE Personnel
Soccencom Revenues/Expenditures
$450,000
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
■Revenue ■Expenditures ■Expenditures*
Two items of note related to this graph. First, to reiterate, it is important to acknowledge
that most jurisdictions do not include indirect costs as part of a calculation of revenues
to expenditures. This exacerbates the difference between total revenues and total
expenditures. A revenue to expenditure comparison that matches industry standard
would be revenues to expenditures* as shown in this table.
Secondly, the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years were dramatically affected by the
COVID pandemic. The spring 2020 season and the fall 2020 seasons were cancelled,
and the spring 2021 season was conducted at greatly reduced level. As the table shows
however, even with the lack of play, soccer fields of this caliber must be maintained at a
basic level, so while revenues were reduced significantly in FY 19-20 and FY 20-21,
expenditures saw only a 10-20% reduction. Additionally, realignment of staff within the
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Parks division occurred in FY 22-23, and this along with field surface improvements in
FY 23-24 account for much of the increase in expenditures in those years.
Concession sales have continued to increase each year. Additional field rentals and
increased sales contributed to FY 2023-24 concessions revenue reaching $52,482. Also
contributing to this increase were purchased meal packages to tournament organizers
and officials. To date, a total of $51,986 in concessions has been collected in the current
fiscal year through the fall season.
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6. Economic Impact and Indirect Revenues
One important type of revenue generated by the Soccer.com Center is not captured in
the preceding table, and in fact is not within the facility itself. This is the economic
impact that the facility — particularly during large tournaments — generates around the
community. Many of the larger tournaments, especially the College Series Soccer
Showcase each fall, bring in monies to hotels, restaurants, gasoline purchases. These
two tournaments have teams from all over North America, and many of the teams who
plays at Soccer.com book hotels in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, where they also dine
and purchase other essentials.
Attachment 4 shows the economic impact summary of the most recent Showcase
events. Soccer.com center is one of the host sites for this annual event that is organized
around the NCAA soccer Final Four and is a premier event for high school age players
to play and be seen by college recruiters from all across the USA and other soccer
officials. As noted above, it attracts many teams from all over North America, and has
had teams from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean nations.
The Girls Soccer Showcase event of December 6-8, 2024 brought teams and college
recruiters from all over the nation and generated direct business sales estimated at
$1.33 million, and a total business sales amount of $1.96 million. The largest sales by
sector came from Lodging, followed by Food/Beverage and Retail.
The Boys Soccer Showcase on December 14-15 - despite losing one full day to weather
- generated direct business sales of $917,059 and total business sales of$1.35 million.
The same sales sectors apply to the Boys Showcase.
However, these are not the only large tournaments to take place at the Soccer.com
Center. Other large annual events in the last two years include:
The Triangle United Soccer Association (TUSA)Annual Fall Classic— Last weekend of August(18th year)
Carolina Youth Cup Tournament(Triangle Flying Disc Association)— Last weekend of April(Youth/Teen
Ultimate Frisbee Tournament)
Triangle United Soccer Association—Youth Development Academy(YDA)- March 22
Fall/Spring Rec Cup (TUSA)—First weekend of November and second Weekend in May(Rec Level teams
from around the region).
Fall Carolina Cup—Carolina Velocity—First weekend of October.
Sundanese National Tournament—August 31, 2024.
Closing Thoughts
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As it enters its 16th year of operation, the Soccer.com Center has seen significant
successes, but also faces current and future challenges. Some primary takeaway
points from this assessment include:
• Revenue Generation and Economic Impact — Current and Potential: The
Soccer.com Center brings in significant economic benefits, as shown in attached
report. Soccer tournaments are a major revenue generator that has impacts well
beyond the site boundaries. However, there may be opportunities to find
additional sources of revenue and/or increase tournament play— recognizing that
youth recreational soccer needs also must be met at this location. Other areas to
explore might include:
o The potential to add more usage hours? This might include a mixture of
looking at allowing some play on the Monday rest days or earlier activity
on Fridays (tournament field prep days. Charging a flat rate fee per car for
parking is another potential revenue, and this is being proposed in the FY
25-26 budget. However, more hours allowed equals more field impacts.
o Expanding the season into November and allowing play to begin in the
late winter could be considered, but this brings with it risks to the playing
surfaces that could result in costs for turf repair and wipe out any
revenues generated.
• Cost Coverage: The Soccer.com Center, like many municipal centers, does not
cover all its costs. Significant increases in operating costs over the last several
years have impacted this negatively, although as noted previously revenues are
up, and much depends on how costs and revenues are compared. The Center
comes closer to covering costs if permanent personnel are removed, and if one
factors in the overall economic impact of large tournaments the picture becomes
one that shows a net positive.
• Facility Improvements — Current: This facility is now 15 years old and because
of the care in which it has been maintained, there have been no major
renovations required in that time. However, this era is coming to an end. The
existing fields and irrigation system will need upgrades, and this is reflected in
the CIP (years 6-8)
• Facility Improvements - Phase 2 Expansion: Phase 2 of the facility will relieve
some major existing issues:
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o Phase 2 is expected to add at least 2.5 (effectively three) new fields. An 8-
field complex can host bigger tournaments and increase revenues. (The
expansion will also require additional staff and equipment, however).
o More parking is desperately needed and would be a significant component
of the expansion of the facility. The expansion would also create a much
needed second entrance/exit.
o Restroom and equipment storage availability is also a pressing need and
could be addressed in the Phase 2 expansion.
• Colocation Benefits and Challenges: Coordination with the middle school is of
prime importance with the two facilities adjacent to each other and sharing a
driveway and parking, and this brings many benefits. However, turnover in
management staff tends to create loss of institutional memory on how the two
facilities work together in areas like shared parking and requires revisiting the
arrangements of the two facilities.
• Grass Versus Synthetic Turf: The field surface at Soccer,com is Bermuda
grass, and is widely considered a very well-maintained surface with many
favorable comments noted by participants over the years. However, it must be
noted that there continues to be a long-running debate about grass versus
synthetic turf fields, with many advocates for both. Synthetic turf fields allow for
more hours of play, though there are questions about health and safety. The
County has made a major investment in Bermuda grass surfaces at this site over
the last 15 years. As expansion is planned for and moves toward implementation,
a key question to be revisited may be whether to introduce synthetic turf on some
part of the facility in Phase 2.
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 1, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-k
SUBJECT: Soccer.com Center— Naming Rights Agreement Renewal
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proposed Renewal Agreement David Stancil, 919-245-2510
Travis Bogle, 919-245-2673
PURPOSE: To approve the renewal of a naming rights license agreement, for a period of five
years, between Orange County and Sports Endeavors, Incorporated, for naming rights to the
Orange County soccer center on West Ten Road, known as the Soccer.com Center.
BACKGROUND: Orange County and Sports Endeavors, Incorporated entered into an initial
agreement in 2009 for the naming rights to the Orange County soccer center located on West
Ten Road, adjacent to Gravelly Hill Middle School. Since 2009, Sports Endeavors and the County
have renewed this arrangement in 2014 and 2019, and the facility has been known as the
Soccer.com Center (Eurosport Soccer Center in a previous iteration of the agreement) since that
time.
The Soccer.com Center is a highly-used and widely-known soccer facility that generates
significant local revenues and economic impact as a destination for sports tournaments. The
Center is utilized by local, regional, state, and national organizations, for sports tournaments,
primarily soccer and lacrosse but including other uses as well. Sports Endeavors, Inc. is a locally
owned business in Hillsborough, and has a national footprint as a provider of soccer and lacrosse
apparel and equipment. Sports Endeavors negotiated with the County in 2009, 2014 and 2019 for
the exclusive right to have the name Soccer.com Center for this facility. Currently, Orange County
provides signage at the entrance to the center displaying it as the "Soccer.com Center." The
license agreement renewal presented here is the same as the current agreement. This
agreement would run through June 30, 2029.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Sports Endeavors, Incorporated agrees to remit payment to Orange
County at the rate of $35,000 annually, payable either as a lump sum in the month of July or
installments, in each of the following five years.
In addition to the above, Sports Endeavors shall pay Orange County a match of up to $10,000
per year, as a matching contribution to the amount Orange County is able to raise in each such
year from other sources.
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ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the renewal of the
naming rights agreement as attached, pending any final review from the County Attorney, and
authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.
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FACILITY NAMING
AND
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
This Facility Naming and Sponsorship Agreement("Agreement") is entered into as of this 1St day of
July, 2024, between Sports Endeavors, Incorporated, a North Carolina corporation with offices located
at 431 US Highway 70A East, Hillsborough,NC 27278-9912 ("Sports Endeavors") and Orange County,
North Carolina hereinafter referred to as "Orange County,"pursuant to Gen. Statute 160A-460 et seq.,
and other applicable laws.
WHEREAS, Orange County has constructed and is operating the Soccer.com Center("Facility") located
on West Ten Road in Efland, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the Facility is utilized by local, regional, state, and national organizations, among other
uses; and
WHEREAS, Sports Endeavors desires to renew its sponsorship of the Facility in return for certain
benefits as set forth below:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and conditions set forth herein, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
Orange County and Sports Endeavors hereby agree as follows:
1. RECITALS. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into this Agreement.
2. TERM AND TERMINATION.
2.1. The term of this Agreement shall commence July 1, 2024 and, unless sooner terminated in
accordance with the Agreement, shall continue until June 30, 2029.
2.2. Provided Sports Endeavors is not in default hereunder, Sports Endeavors shall have the option
to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional five (5) years at a mutually agreed upon
yearly investment. Sports Endeavors can exercise its option by providing written notice to
Orange County of Sports Endeavors intent to renew no later than January 1, 2029.
2.3. Sports Endeavors shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon 30 days written notice
to Orange County in the event of the occurrence of any of the following contingencies:
2.3.1. If Orange County is not using its best efforts to utilize the Facility to its potential and
Sports Endeavors is not receiving the desired brand exposure; or
2.3.2. If Orange County is adjudicated as insolvent, declares bankruptcy or is otherwise unable
to perform its management duties for the Facility; or
2.3.3. Upon material breach of any provision of this Agreement by Orange County, if such
breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after Orange County's receipt of written notice
from Sports Endeavors.
2.4. Orange County shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Sports
Endeavors in the event of the occurrence of any of the following contingencies:
2.4.1. If Sports Endeavors is adjudicated as insolvent, declares bankruptcy or is otherwise
unable to pay its debts when due; or
Page 1 of 12
22
2.4.2. Upon a material breach of any provision of this Agreement by Sports Endeavors, if such
breach is not cured within thirty(30) days after Sports Endeavors receipt of written notice
from Orange County.
2.5. The provisions of Sections 8, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 shall survive expiration or termination of this
Agreement.
3. SPORTS ENDEAVORS RIGHTS AND BENEFITS
3.1. Naming Rights.
3.1.1. Sports Endeavors shall have the exclusive right to retain the Facility name
"SOCCER.COM" or such other Facility name containing"SOCCER.COM" as may be
agreed upon between Sports Endeavors and Orange County(the "Facility Name").
3.1.2. All references to the Facility, regardless of media, including any electronic forms of such
media, made by Orange County will include SOCCER.COM. Such references shall
include, but not be limited to, all marketing materials,press releases, television and radio
advertisements,promotions or announcements, tickets, ticket order forms, newspapers,
magazines and any other print materials, and the Facility website ("Promotional Media").
3.1.3. Orange County agrees that no sponsorships or other forms of advertisements relating to
the Facility may be offered to third parties in the soccer, lacrosse, or rugby industry without
prior approval from Sports Endeavors, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
In addition, Orange County agrees that it will not offer sponsorships or sell advertising to
persons or entities whose business reputation or ongoing business activities might reflect
adversely upon the image and reputation of Sports Endeavors.
3.2. Signage
3.2.1. Unless otherwise stated herein, Orange County will design, install and maintain signage
in the Facility recognizing Sports Endeavors/SOCCER.COM as the naming sponsor of
the Facility. Appropriate lighting will be provided and maintained, at a minimum, for the
main entrance sign. The main entrance sign will be a two sided high density urethane
fabrication measuring 72" x 36". The designation "SOCCER.COM"will be the
prominent feature. The sign will also identify Orange County Department of
Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation and will include the Orange County
Department logo and/or the Orange County logo as well as the SOCCER.COM logo. The
design of artwork for this sign will be communicated to Sports Endeavors for their
approval prior to construction.
3.2.2. Orange County shall continue to use its best efforts to obtain approval from the North
Carolina Department of Transportation and other governmental agencies for the
placement of a minimum of two (2) directional highway signs that contain the Facility
Name.
3.2.3. Orange County shall use best efforts to see that permanent signage is not modified,
covered, or digitally manipulated in visual images without the prior written approval of
Sports Endeavors.
3.2.4. Orange County shall place an inward facing banner that prominently displays the
Soccer.com logo that runs the entire length of the fence around the Facility and that
covers from the bottom half of the fence up to, at minimum, a height halfway up the fence
(as opposed to the entire height of the fence). See Exhibit A as an example.
3.2.5. Orange County shall place a two-sided sign, to be designed and located in the mutual
discretion of the parties, that prominently displays the Soccer.com logo at the main walk-
in entrance of the Facility. Such sign shall be easily viewable upon entering and exiting
the Facility. See Exhibit B as an example.
Page 2 of 12
23
3.2.6. Orange County shall place, and maintain the same in place for the Term, all picnic table
umbrellas with Soccer.com branded picnic table umbrellas. There shall be a minimum of
six picnic table umbrellas in use at prominent locations in the Facility, including at the
entrance to the Facility, at any given time. See Exhibit C as an example.
3.2.7. Orange County shall place, and maintain the same in place for the Term, Soccer.com
branded corner flags on all fields.
3.2.8. Orange County shall place updated Soccer.com branded Rules and Regulations, menus,
and other relevant signs or notices of the Facility, as may be agreed between the parties, at
strategic spots within the Facility. See Exhibit D as an example.
3.2.9. Sports Endeavors agrees to provide Orange County additional signage, and umbrellas, as
referenced above, assuming all signage meets Orange County sign ordinances and risk
criteria.
3.3. Admission, Parking Passes.
3.3.1. Orange County shall provide Sports Endeavors with ten (10) tickets and parking passes to
any ticketed events held at the Facility for which Orange County controls the ticketing
process. Passes may be used by Sports Endeavors employees, vendors, clients, etc.
3.3.2. In any event for which Orange County does not control sale and/or distribution of the
admission passes and parking passes, Orange County shall use reasonable efforts to
obtain ten(10) admission passes and parking passes, but"reasonable efforts" shall not
include having to purchase said passes.
3.4. Use of Facility.
3.4.1. Sports Endeavors shall have the right, subject to the provisions of this Section, to utilize
the Facility, uninterrupted, for company events. Sports Endeavors shall provide Orange
County with not less than days' notice, along with the amount of usage time being
requested, to utilize the Facility. Such usage shall be on the dates mutually agreed upon
by the parties, based on Facility availability. Sports Endeavors shall reimburse Orange
County for any reasonable and related fees or costs to be-charged or incurred by Orange
County associated with the company events (i.e., set up, security, supervision, clean up,
etc.), provided that Soccer.com is made aware of the same before such costs are incurred.
3.4.2. Sports Endeavors shall have the right,-beginning 2021, for no additional fee, subject to the
provisions of this Section, to host a maximum of one (1) sporting tournament at the
Facility, which tournament shall have a duration of no more than three (3) calendar days a
time. Sports Endeavors shall be responsible for its own costs associated with the
tournaments.
3.5. Advisory Board.
3.5.1. In the event an Advisory Board is created with regard to use of the Facility by Orange
County, Sports Endeavors shall have the option, at its sole discretion, to place at least one
(1) member on such Advisory Board.
4. PAYMENTS. Sports Endeavors shall, on or before thirty (30) days following the date of this
Agreement,pay Orange County the amount of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars and zero cents
($35,000.00). This amount shall also be paid by Sports Endeavors during the month of July in each
of the following five ears. In addition, Sports Endeavors shall pay Orange County up to $10,000
Dollars and zero cents ($10,000)per year for five years within 30 days from receipt of matching
funds in each such year, as a matching contribution to the amount that Orange County is able to raise
in each such year with funds provided by other businesses and/or donors to the Facility. If Sports
Endeavors exercises its option pursuant to Section 2.2 above, payment for the successive term and
Page 3 of 12
24
payment for matching funds shall be negotiated at such time for such optional term and the option
will not become effective until the amount of payment is agreed upon by both parties.
5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
5.1. Sports Endeavors grants Orange County the right to use its trademarks, trade names and service
marks, including the Sports Endeavors and SOCCER.COM logos ("Sports Endeavors Marks")
solely in connection with the identification of the Facility and use on the Promotional Media.
Prior to use of the Sports Endeavors Marks in the Promotional Media or on signage, Orange
County shall provide Sports Endeavors with examples of proposed uses prepared by or for
Orange County for review and approval. Orange County acknowledges that its use of the Sports
Endeavors Marks shall inure to the sole benefit of Sports Endeavors and shall not create any
right, title or interest in same in favor of Orange County. Orange County agrees to comply with
Sports Endeavors' guidelines as may be provided to Orange County from time to time
concerning use of Sports Endeavors Marks. Sports Endeavors reserves the right to prohibit the
use of Sports Endeavors Marks, or to modify any materials depicting Sports Endeavors Marks,
if in its sole judgment such use may be illegal, misleading, or inappropriate.
5.2. Orange County grants Sports Endeavors the right to use the Facility name and images for
marketing purposes, in any media, subject to prior and timely review by Orange County. Such
review is intended to help ensure accuracy and coordination of marketing and public relations
efforts between Sports Endeavors and Orange County related to the Facility.
5.3. Orange County grants Sports Endeavors the right to use the Orange County logo, which is a
registered mark with the North Carolina Secretary of State's office, solely in connection with
the identification of the Facility. Sports Endeavors acknowledges that its use of the Orange
County logo shall inure to the sole benefit of Orange County and shall not create any right, title
or interest in same in favor of Sports Endeavors. Sports Endeavors agrees to comply with
Orange County's guidelines as may be provided to Sports Endeavors from time to time
concerning use of its logo, or to modify any materials depicting its logo, if in its sole judgment
such use may be illegal, misleading or inappropriate.
5.4. Each party shall provide a single point of contact for any approvals required under the
Agreement("Approval Coordinator"), as named below:
For the County: Travis Myren, County Manager
Orange County Manager's Office
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough,NC 27278
For Sports Endeavors: Brian Berklich, CMO
Sports Endeavors, Incorporated
431 US Highway 70A East
Hillsborough, NC 27278
With a copy to: J. Martin Morgado III, General Counsel
Either party may change their Approval Coordinators upon written notice to the other party in
accordance with this Agreement.
6. MAINTENANCE OF FACILITY,NON-DISCRIMINATION.
6.1. Orange County shall maintain the Facility in good and safe condition.
Page 4 of 12
25
6.2. Orange County shall ensure that in no event shall usage of the Facility be discriminatory on the
basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status
or familial status.
7. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, RELEASES REQUIRED.
7.1. Orange County agrees to secure and maintain in force and effect throughout the term of this
Agreement insurance coverage for all facilities and equipment located at the Facility consistent
with that maintained by Orange County at all other municipal locations. Such coverage should
include, at a minimum the following:
7.1.1. Statutory workers' compensation in accordance with North Carolina law. Employers'
liability (Coverage B)with limits of not less than $100,000 per accident.
7.1.2. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits of at least $2,000,000 for each
occurrence and combined single limit.
7.1.3. Excess Liability Coverage with limits not less than$4,000,000 per occurrence with a
Combined Aggregate Limit of$4,000,000.
7.1.4. Commercial Property Insurance on the Facility with a limit of no less than $3,500,000.
7.2. Orange County shall deliver to Sports Endeavors Certificates of Insurance evidencing the
existence of the insurance required above no later than thirty(30) days following the final
execution of this Agreement. Such Certificates shall provide for the giving to Sports Endeavors
of thirty (30) days prior written notice of cancellation and shall name Sports Endeavors as an
additional insured.
7.3. Orange County agrees that it will use best efforts to require all credentials of any kind used for
admission to events at the Facility to include the following or substantially similar language:
The holder of this ticket and any individual present in this facility assumes all risk and
danger and releases SOCCER.COM and Orange County, its sponsors, and host
organizations and all agents thereof from any and all liabilities resulting from your
attendance at this event. You agree to abide by all rules and regulations established by
Orange County, and a violation of these rules and regulations can be cause for forfeiture of
your ticket and removal from the premises.
7.4. Orange County further agrees to use best efforts to obtain signed releases from all organizations
engaged in activities at the Facility, which release Sports Endeavors its parent, subsidiary and
affiliated companies and all agents thereof from any and all liabilities resulting from their use of
the Facility and participation in the activity held at the Facility.
8. INDEMNITY.
8.1. To the extent permitted by law and up to the amount of its insurance coverage, Orange County
agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sports Endeavors, its parent, subsidiary and
affiliated companies and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents successors and
assigns, from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, government
proceedings and costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of suit,
arising out of or in connection with(i) any use of the Facility or activity conducted thereon, (ii)
the negligent or reckless acts or omissions of Orange County, its employees, agents, or
representatives, or(iii) Orange County's breach of this Agreement.
8.2. To the extent permitted by law and up to the amount of its insurance coverage, Sports
Endeavors agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Orange County, its parent, subsidiary
and affiliated companies and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents successors
and assigns, from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, government
proceedings and costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of suit,
Page 5 of 12
26
arising out of or in connection with(i) the use of Sports Endeavors Marks or(ii) Sports
Endeavors' breach of this Agreement.
8.3. Each party shall promptly notify the other party of any suit or threat of suit of which that party
becomes aware which may give rise to a right of indemnification pursuant to this Agreement.
The parties agree to cooperate in the settlement or defense of any such claim, demand, suit or
proceeding.
8.4. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by the other party, the non-
breaching party shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies available to it, to obtain relief
by way of injunction or other equitable relief.
8.5. The obligations of this Section 8 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
9. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
In the course of their respective performance under this Agreement, both parties shall comply with
all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, laws and
regulations pertaining to trademark and copyrights.
10. NOTICES, STATEMENTS AND PAYMENTS. All notices, statements and payments required
hereunder shall be sent by fax and overnight mail, or first class mail, or by wire transfer, as
appropriate, to the parties at the following addresses:
For Orange County: Travis Myren, County Manager
Orange County Manager's Office
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough,NC 27278
For Sports Endeavors: Brian Berklich, CMO
Sports Endeavors, Incorporated
431 US Highway 70A East
Hillsborough,NC 27278
With a copy to: J. Martin Morgado III, General Counsel
11. WAIVER. The failure of Sports Endeavors or Orange County at any time to demand strict
performance by the other of any terms, covenants or conditions set forth herein, shall not be
construed as a continuing waiver or relinquishment thereof, and either may at any time demand strict
and complete performance by the other of said terms, covenants and conditions.
12. ASSIGNMENT. Neither Orange County nor Sports Endeavors shall have any right to assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the express written consent of the other
parry, except Sports Endeavors may assign any right or delegate any obligation hereunder to a
wholly-owned subsidiary or to any party to whom Sports Endeavors sells substantially all of its
assets. Any unauthorized attempt at assignment shall be void and unenforceable.
13. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party shall,upon the request of the other and without further
consideration, execute and deliver to such other parties such documents as may be necessary and
proper, and take such other action as may be required, to effectively carry out this Agreement.
Page 6 of 12
27
14. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Both parties shall be independent contractors unto one
another. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to constitute the parties hereto as partners or as
joint venturers, or either as agent of the other, and neither shall have power to obligate or bind the
other in any manner whatsoever.
15. SIGNIFICANCE OF HEADINGS. Paragraph headings contained hereunder are solely for the
purpose of aiding in speedy location of subject matter and are not in any sense to be given weight in
the construction of this Agreement. Accordingly, in case of any question with respect to the
construction of this Agreement, it is to be construed as though such paragraph headings had been
omitted.
16. SEVERABILITY. If this Agreement or any of its provisions is found to be illegal or unenforceable
under the law now or hereafter in effect, then the parties shall be excused from the performance of
such portions of this Agreement as shall be found to be illegal or unenforceable under the applicable
laws or regulations,without affecting the validity of the remaining provisions of the Agreement.
17. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be liable for any delays, damages nor failure to act caused
by a Force Majeure Event. A Force Majeure Event means an act of God, failure of any
governmental or other regulatory agency or national sport governing body to grant necessary permits
or approvals, threat and/or acts of terrorism, or any similar contingency beyond its control, and any
failure or delay in the performance of the respective obligations of the parties due to a Force Majeure
Event shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement.
18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Sports
Endeavors and Orange County relating to the subject matter hereof, and cannot be altered or
modified except by an agreement in writing signed by both parties. Upon its execution, this
Agreement shall supersede all prior negotiations,understandings and agreements regarding the
Facility,whether oral or written, and such prior agreements shall thereupon be null and void without
further legal effect. Any terms inconsistent with or additional to the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement which may be included with a purchase order, acknowledgement, invoice or the like,
of either party shall not be binding on the other party hereto. This Agreement may be executed in
two (2) or more counterparts, each of which will be considered an original, but all of which will
constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that faxed signature copies shall be
legally binding.
19. GOVERNING LAWS. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of North Carolina applicable to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed
with the State of North Carolina.
20. NO THIRD PARTY BENFICIARIES. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, no person
or entity that is not a party to this Agreement will have any equitable or other rights by virtue of this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their authorized representative to execute this
Agreement as of the date first above written.
Sports Endeavors, Incorporated Orange County
Page 7 of 12
28
Mike Moylan, President Jamezetta Bedford, Chair, Board of
Commissioners
Attest: Scott Saul Attest:
Chief Financial Officer Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
This instrument has been approved as to technical content.
P.David Stancil,Director,Department of Environment,
Agriculture,Parks and Recreation
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required
by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.
Gary Donaldson,Chief Financial Officer
Page 8 of 12
29
Exhibit A
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Page 9 of 12
1
Exhibit
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Exhibit D
Page 12 of 12
Event Impact Summary 33
Destination: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
Event Parameters Key Results
Event Name: Girls Showcase -soccer.com Business Sales (Direct): $1,331,720
Organization: Business Sales (Total): $1,955,397
Event Type: Youth Amateur Jobs Supported (Direct): 663
Start Date: 12/6/2024 Jobs Supported (Total): 720
End Date: 12/8/2024 Local Taxes (Total): $76,724
Overnight Attendees: 2713 Net Direct Tax ROI: $70,009
Day Attendees: 678 Estimated Room Demand: 2,648
Direct Business Sales
Sales by Source Sales by Sector
$1,400,000
$1,200,000 Trans.
Space Rental
$1,000,000
Retail
$800,000
Recreation
$600,000
Lodging
$400,000 Food/Bev
$200,000 Business Services
$0
Attendees Organizer Media $0 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000
Industry Attendees Organizer Media/Sponsors Total
Lodging $473,948 $0 $0 $473,948
Transportation $108,436 $1,291 $157 $109,885
Food & Beverage $339,599 $42,797 $0 $382,396
Retail $229,470 $0 $0 $229,470
Recreation $89,555 $0 $0 $89,555
Space Rental $0 $19,896 $0 $19,896
Business Services $0 $26,482 $89 $26,571
TOTAL $1,241,008 $90,466 $246 $1,331,720
Destinations International Event Impact Calculator 1/15/2025 2:34:12 PM
Event Impact Details 34
Destination: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
Event Name: Girls Showcase -soccer.com 2024
Organization:
Economic Impact Details
Direct Indirect/Induced Total
Business Sales $1,331,720 $623,677 $1,955,397
Personal Income $410,217 $168,268 $578,485
Jobs Supported
Persons 663 57 720
Annual FTEs 14 1 15
Taxes and Assessments
Federal Total $116,414 $51,801 $168,215
State Total $75,245 $15,874 $91,119
sales $56,589 $7,406 $63,995
income $4,631 $1,899 $6,530
bed $0 - $0
other $14,026 $6,569 $20,594
Local Total(excl.property) $70,009 $6,714 $76,724
sales $32,762 $4,288 $37,050
income $0 $0 $0
bed $28,437 - $28,437
per room charge $0 - $0
tourism district $0 - $0
restaurant $5,094 $686 $5,780
other $3,717 $1,741 $5,457
property tax $15,246 $4,653 $19,898
Event Return on Investment (ROI)
Direct local tax RO(net property taxes)
Direct Tax Receipts $70,009
DMO Hosting Costs $0
Direct ROI $70,009 Local Taxes iLm
Net Present Value $71,440
Direct ROI (%) - Costs
Total local tax RO(net property taxes)
Total Local Tax Receipts $76,724
Total ROI $76,724
$0 $40,000 $80,000
Net Present Value $78,292
$20,000 $60,000
Total ROI (%) -
Estimated Room Demand Metrics
Room Nights (total) 2,648
Room Pickup(block only) 0
Peak Rooms 1,005
Total Visitor Days 7,149
Destinations International Event Impact Calculator 1/15/2025 2:34:13 PM
Event Impact Summary 35
Destination: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
Event Parameters Key Results
Event Name: Boys Showcase -soccer.com Business Sales (Direct): $917,059
Organization: Business Sales (Total): $1,347,010
Event Type: Youth Amateur Jobs Supported (Direct): 571
Start Date: 12/14/2024 Jobs Supported (Total): 620
End Date: 12/15/2024 Local Taxes (Total): $53,029
Overnight Attendees: 2534 Net Direct Tax ROI: $48,400
Day Attendees: 634 Estimated Room Demand: 1,832
Direct Business Sales
Sales by Source Sales by Sector
$1,000,000
Trans.
$800,000 Space Rental
Retail
$600,000
Recreation
$400,000
Food/Bev
$200,000 Business Services
$0 $0 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000
Attendees Organizer Media $50,000 $150,000 $250,000 $350,000
Industry Attendees Organizer Media/Sponsors Total
Lodging $327,842 $0 $0 $327,842
Transportation $75,008 $804 $102 $75,914
Food & Beverage $234,910 $27,677 $0 $262,587
Retail $158,731 $0 $0 $158,731
Recreation $61,947 $0 $0 $61,947
Space Rental $0 $12,867 $0 $12,867
Business Services $0 $17,114 $57 $17,171
TOTAL $858,438 $58,462 $159 $917,059
Destinations International Event Impact Calculator 1/15/2025 2:35:42 PM
Event Impact Details 36
Destination: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
Event Name: Boys Showcase -soccer.com 2024
Organization:
Economic Impact Details
Direct Indirect/Induced Total
Business Sales $917,059 $429,950 $1,347,010
Personal Income $282,494 $115,842 $398,337
Jobs Supported
Persons 571 49 620
Annual FTEs 10 1 10
Taxes and Assessments
Federal Total $80,167 $35,692 $115,859
State Total $51,965 $10,942 $62,906
sales $39,117 $5,106 $44,223
income $3,189 $1,308 $4,497
bed $0 - $0
other $9,658 $4,528 $14,187
Local Total(excl.property) $48,400 $4,629 $53,029
sales $22,647 $2,956 $25,603
income $0 $0 $0
bed $19,671 - $19,671
per room charge $0 - $0
tourism district $0 - $0
restaurant $3,524 $473 $3,997
other $2,559 $1,200 $3,759
property tax $10,499 $3,209 $13,707
Event Return on Investment (ROI)
Direct local tax RO(net property taxes)
Direct Tax Receipts $48,400
DMO Hosting Costs $0
Direct ROI $48,400 Local Taxes
Net Present Value $49,389
Direct ROI (%) -
Total local tax RO(net property taxes) Costs
Total Local Tax Receipts $53,029
Total ROI $53,029
Net Present Value $54,113
$0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000
Total ROI (%) -
Estimated Room Demand Metrics
Room Nights (total) 1,832
Room Pickup(block only) 0
Peak Rooms 939
Total Visitor Days 4,945
Destinations International Event Impact Calculator 1/15/2025 2:35:43 PM
37
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Soccer- com Center
Status Report
April 8, 2025
38
Background
• Opened in 2009
• Five full-size fields and a practice field
• Co-located with Gravelly Hill Middle School on West
Ten Road
• Soccer.com (Sports Endeavors) naming rights in 2011
• High demand for the facility, which hosts
— Local recreational soccer
— Many regional and two national soccer tournaments
— Other sports events such as lacrosse and ultimate frisbee
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
39
Operations
• Two operating seasons
— Spring: March through first week of June
— Fall: mid-August to early November (+two weekends in December)
• Play Tuesday-Sunday, tournaments weekends.
Tuesday/Thursday generally for recreational soccer
• Field preparation/maintenance Monday and Friday (am)
• Turf maintenance (aerifying, topdressing, verticutting,
and sodding) during summer and winter
• Two full-time staff and part-time seasonals
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
40
Sponsorship and Naming Rights
• Sports Endeavors (Hillsborough) is the main sponsor
• Soccercom brand is part of one of the largest sports
equipment firms in the US
• County renewed 5-year contract for naming rights 2024
• Pursuing other sponsorships (concession stand was
previously licensed)
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
41
Facility Usage
• Generally, tournaments on weekends and County
recreation soccer leagues on midweek nights.
Reservations by User Group 23-24
FY 2023-24 250
• • • • • 220
Carolina Velocity 169 9300 $ 9,292.50 0 200
169
Eno River Academy 73 3600 $ 3,737.50 v
150
Expedition School 10 1000 $ 600.00 125
N C F C 78 7800'
$ 19,450.00 ° 100 78 73
North Carolina Adult SoccerAssociati 9 450 $ 725.00
z' 50 i
Orange County 220 53000 $ 54,240.00 10 10 9
TFDA 10 105000 $ 66,427.50 0
Triangle United Soccer 1251 278001 $ 17,640.00 ,yt+k� ��. FC' p�' �,.•
FY • • • a�``�eGo GatQ\`�� �}t� �G �o9`0 �ped\�`ot� o�,G�co
pct � ea
Users
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
42
Fee Structure
• Fees re-evaluated every few years, compared to other jurisdictions
with similar facilities.
Tournament Per
Location Per hour Field Cost Hour Field Cost Light Fee Type
Orange County Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 50.00 $ 35.00 Soccer Fields Grass
Durham Parks and Recreation $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass
Raleigh Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 25.00 Soccer Fields Grass
Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation $ 30.00 $ 30.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass-Youth
$ 45.00 $ 45.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass-Adult
Apex Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Field Grass
Chatham Parks and Recreation $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 35.00 Soccer Field Grass
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
43
Revenues and Expenditures
Revenues and Expenditures
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
• Revenues Revenue $ 82,940 $ 35,000 $ 87,917 $ 145,982 $ 205,352
— Field usage Expenditures $ 255,461 $ 183,113 $ 225,551 $ 314,415 $ 408,405
Expenditures* $ 205,335 $ 121,397 $ 154,371 $ 213,482 $ 255,503
— Concession sales *'Minus FTE Personnel
— Sponsorships 5occer.corn Revenues/Expenditures
— Recreational soccer fees $450,000
$400,000
• Expenditures $350,000
— Staff salaries/benefits* $300'000
— Maintenance supplies $250,000
— Contract services $200'0
— Concession supplies $150,000
— Utility costs $100,000
— Equipment repairs $50,000
oil
— Recurring capital
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
— Other operating costs ■Revenue ■Expenditures ■Expenditures*
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
44
Economic Impact and Indirect
Revenues
• Large tournaments such as the College Series Soccer
Showcase bring significant economic impact to area
• Showcase is a premier event that attracts players and
recruiters from all over North America and beyond
— The Girls Soccer Showcase event in December 2024 generated an
estimated $1 .33 million in direct business sales
• Other large annual events take place at the Soccer. Com
Center
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
45
ClosingThoughts
• Revenue Generation
— The Center brings significant economic benefits on and beyond site boundaries.
— Expanding usage could increase revenues — but comes with a cost
• Cost Coverage
— Like many mid-size municipal facilities, the Center does not cover all its costs
• Facility Improvement
— Soccer.com is over 15 years old with no major renovations to date
— Existing fields and irrigation systems need upgrades (reflected in the CIP)
— Phase 2 would add 3 new fields and additional parking/restrooms/entry
• Playing Surface
— Bermuda grass fields considered a high-quality playing surface
— Continued debates on synthetic vs grass turf fields
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA