Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to contract with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, for the purpose of organizing and promoting the 2015 National Hockey League (NHL®) All-Star Celebration. The 60th NHL All-Star Game will be the centerpiece of the 2015 NHL All-Star Celebration, which will be held January 22-25, 2015 and will feature various hockey-themed events, entertainment and activities. Proceeds provided by the City of Columbus will leverage a pool of private and public funding to be utilized for economic development, out-of-market advertising and marketing exposure, as well as to generate community pride and create opportunities for our residents to participate in this once-in-a-generation event. It is anticipated that the 2015 NHL All-Star Celebration will bring an estimated $12 million dollars in visitor spending to Central Ohio; coupled with $10 million dollars the NHL will spend to execute the event. This event will also provide media exposure close to $50 million dollars with over 400 regional, national and international sports and news media covering the event. Furthermore, this event will provide a commitment to local charities, particularly Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and offer attractions, events and celebrations that will appeal to both visitors and the local community alike in late-January 2015.
This contract is being awarded to the Greater Columbus Sports Commission pursuant to Section 329.15, which allows for the City to negotiate not-for-profit service contracts.
The Department of Development will fund and administer this contract on behalf of the City. This ordinance authorizes the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission for organizational and promotional support of the 2015 NHL All-Star Celebration.
Emergency action is requested so that an immediate payment can be made.
FISCAL IMPACT: F...
Click here for full text