Contact
Gabby Blauert
Communications Manager
gblauert@hamiltoncountytourism.com
708-629-9618
For Immediate Release
January 29, 2025
HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. — The Hamilton County Sports Authority (HCSA) marks its 20th anniversary this year, celebrating two decades of support for sports facilities and events throughout the county, generating millions of dollars in economic impact.
“The youth sports travel market has been one of the fastest growing market segments for the county representing about a quarter of all hotel demand and a healthy $160 million in annual visitor spending,” said Karen Radcliff, VP and Chief Strategy Officer for Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. * “It’s been an exciting couple of decades, and we are not slowing down.”
Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. launched HCSA in 2005 to accelerate its sports event development program, hiring Brad Hart as its first director.
In 2009, HCSA became an official DBA of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. and subsequently began to support larger events, such as the Mid-American Conference Golf Championship and the National Softball Association World Series.
The organization also played a significant role in the opening of Grand Park Sports Campus, a 400-acre sports complex in Westfield. Grand Park has quickly become one of the largest youth sports destinations in the nation, counting more than 5 million visits into the park annually. The complex continues to be a central component of HCSA’s efforts, hosting a variety of events from the USA Wrestling Women’s National Duals to the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series.
HCSA has seen major updates and milestones over the past few years, hiring Director Carl Daniels and Senior Sports Development Manager Gabe Amick in 2023. Daniels and Amick worked to complete a rebranding effort and updated strategic plan, which were finalized in August of last year. Priorities include bringing in new events during shoulder seasons, as well as supporting initiatives aimed around sportsmanship and accessibility.
"Reaching this 20-year milestone is a reflection of the hard work, collaboration and shared vision of our community and partners,” said HCSA Director Carl Daniels. “Together, we’ve positioned Hamilton County as a premier sports destination, and we look forward to an even brighter future, using our new strategic plan as a guide."
Most recently, the HCSA team supported the grand opening of the Fishers Event Center in 2024, a state-of-the-art venue that is home to the Indy Fuel (ECHL), Indy Ignite (PVF) and Fishers Freight (IFL). HCSA has already worked alongside the facility and Indy Ignite to secure the Pro Volleyball Federation’s inaugural All-Star Match on Feb. 22, 2025.
The HCSA team also supported the effort to bring LIV Golf to The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield on Aug. 15-17, 2025, and is leading the local organizing committee for the event.
Looking toward the future, HCSA will continue to innovate and invest in sports infrastructure that attracts world-class events. The team will be a part of the opening of the Arena at Innovation Mile this year, serving as the new home for the Indiana Mad Ants (NBA G-League).
For more information about upcoming events or to learn more about Hamilton County Sports Authority’s initiatives, go to HamiltonCountySports.com.
###
ABOUT HAMILTON COUNTY SPORTS AUTHORITY
Hamilton County Sports Authority (HCSA), a division of Hamilton County Tourism, is committed to developing first-class facilities, supporting high-quality training programs, promoting regenerative tourism, and cultivating local, national, and international sporting events. Through these efforts, HCSA aims to inspire athletes, engage the community, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Hamilton County, Indiana.
* 2019 Hamilton County Lodging and 2019 Hamilton County Sports Economic Impact studies, conducted by Tourism Economics-An Oxford Economics Company.