A message from the
PRESIDENT/CEO
ERIC D. HART, CVE PRESIDENT/CEO
I am pleased to present the recommended Operating and Capital Budget for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Staff developed this budget in consultation with the Hillsborough County finance staff and the Authority’s Finance Committee. This budget reflects the emphasis on continued revenue growth, increasing local hotel room occupancy and continued long-term maintenance of the Complex.
This budget identifies an operating deficit which was anticipated during the planning and development stages of the Complex. The economic impact provided by the Complex’s events to the local tourism economy is
much broader than the operational subsidy recognized at the Complex. The Authority will continue to optimize the economic value of the Complex through the continued enhancement of the facilities and strategic scheduling of events that produce the overall greatest economic impact to the community. This Complex was developed with tourism as the primary scheduling driver, and we will continue to focus on maintaining premier playing surfaces and professionally maintained facilities. Our commitment to creating an ideal environment for sports tournaments continues to create greater demand for geographically far-reaching events, further increasing the impact of sports tourism in the region.
The Authority implemented initiatives from our strategic plan emphasizing customer services, asset protection, revenue generation and professional development. As initiatives within the strategic plan, staff continues to place a significant emphasis on revenue generation and venue capital improvements. This will continue to allow us to quickly adapt to the current challenges within the operating environment, similar to sports venues operated by the private sector. We will continue working with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission on identifying additional sporting events to further grow tourism related revenues in the coming year.
Respectfully,
To plan, develop, promote and maintain a comprehensive complex of sports and recreation facilities for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Tampa and Hillsborough County.
To stimulate economic vitality and improve the quality of life in Tampa Bay through compelling sports and entertainment offerings held at world-class venues.
VISION STATEMENT
Providing Sports and Entertainment to Tampa Bay.
THE AUTHORITY
The Tampa Sports Authority, a government entity, is an Independent Special District created by the Florida Legislature in 1965 to construct and manage sports and recreational facilities in Hillsborough County. The Authority’s role is to stimulate economic vitality and improve the quality of life in Tampa Bay through compelling sports and entertainment offerings held at world-class venues. The Authority has no taxing power, but rather acts as an enterprise fund utilizing user-fees to subsidize its operating costs.
As a result, all of its major capital construction projects from the original Tampa Stadium, golf courses, Amalie Arena, George Steinbrenner Field, Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex and Raymond James Stadium have been accomplished by working closely with the approvals and financial support of Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.
The Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex is a partnership between Hillsborough County, the Tampa Sports Authority, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Hillsborough County constructed and owns the facility, which is managed by the Tampa Sports Authority and marketed by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Construction was funded by the County, with additional funding through the Tourist Development Tax and support from the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council.
The Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex continues to attract events in the booming youth and amateur sports markets and top adult and senior athletic competitions, bringing over 100,000 visitors to the area annually. During the current Fiscal Year, the SportsPlex generated over 75,000 room nights, which far exceeds the original consultant estimates.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
STEPHEN
FACILITIES/GROUNDS
KRISTEN
NATHAN
TAMPA SPORTS
BOARD OF
CHAIR
BOCC APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2027
BOCC APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
BOCC APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
CITY APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
SECRETARY/TREASURER
CITY APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
CITYAPPOINTEE
TERMEXPIRES:6/2027
TONY MUNIZ
PATRICK MANTEIGA
JOHN JAEB
LUCIANO PRIDA, JR. JOSEPH W. J. ROBINSON P.E.
PENNY PARKS
AUTHORITY
DIRECTORS
GOVERNOR’S APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2025
BOCCAPPOINTEE
TERMEXPIRES:6/2027
COUNTY COMISSIONER TERM EXPIRES: 11/2024
CITY APPOINTEE
TERM EXPIRES: 6/2027
CITY COUNCILMAN TERM EXPIRES: 5/2025
STRATEGIC PLAN
As part of the Authority’s long-range planning efforts, a strategic plan was implemented with input from key stakeholders and our Board of Directors. The strategic plan identifies long-range strategic objectives, that will drive planning for the Authority over our diverse inventory of current and possible future business lines. This strategic plan is used as the main guiding document for the staff in managing the Authority’s business lines and help the Board and TSA leadership align behind long range strategic priorities.
Key Performance Indicators:
• Actionable strategic initiatives with key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Staff uses a quarterly “scorecard” to summarize performance toward achieved KPIs for each business line.
TSA KPI SCORECARD
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Diversify into and capitalize on new and profitable revenue sources
• Adopt proactive facility master planning while rapidly exploiting new or emerging sports and entertainment opportunities
• Create positive customer experiences
• Protect public assets while safeguarding our customers and their personally identifiable information
• Develop and maintain a diverse, innovative and engaged workforce
• Reduce reliance on County and City subsidy
• Build community support for the Tampa Sports Authority
• Expand our adoption of environmentally sustainable practices
YEAR IN REVIEW
2023 MONSTER MASH
The 2023 Monster Mash was a co-promoted soccer tournament between the Tampa Sports Authority and The Florida Soccer School. Monster Mash was held October 28-29, 2023. In its 3rd year, the Monster Mash hosted 148 teams from around the state of Florida. The attendance was approximatley 4,500 people per day for the two day event.
2024 FLAG FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
For the 3rd straight year, the Flag Football World Championship was held at the SportsPlex on January 10-15, 2024. The tournament consisted of 1,000 youth to adult teams from throughout the United States and Canada, that participated on 38 fields that were created on our 15 fields. Approximatley 12,000 people per day attended this event.
2024 OT7’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The OT7’s National Championshp is a 7v7 tournament that was held June 6-9, 2024. This event is a 7v7 tournament supported by the NFL and televised on the NFL Network. It is comprised of 12 teams that compete in 4 tournaments for the top high school quarterbacks, recievers, and defensive backs. These athletes showcase their skills to college coaches from across the country that attend the event and watch on the NFL Network.
2024 USYS SOUTHERN REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
THE USYS Southern Regional Tournament is a soccer tournament that was held June 21-27, 2024. The USYS Southern Regional Tournament hosts 220 girls’ soccer teams from around the United States. The tournament is a showcase for the top U13-U19 girls teams, to compete for a spot in the USYS National Championships. Attendance for the event was approximately 5,000 people per day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 TAMPA BAY SUPER CUP WEEKENDS
The 2024 Tampa Cup will be held on three consecutive weekends in November - the 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th. The Tampa Bay Super Cup is in its third year at the SportsPlex. It is one of the largest soccer torunaments in Florida. The estimate attendance is 9,000 people per day over the six event day weekends.
2024 SUPER
Y
LEAGUE FINALS
We will be hosting the Super Y League Finals December 12-17, 2024, for the fifth year in a row. The Super Y League Finals is a youth soccer tournament hosting teams from all over the United States and Canada. The estimated attendance is expected to be 12,000 per day over the five days.
2025 NATIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
For the fourth year, the Flag Football World Championships will be calling Tampa home January 15-10, 2025. Teams from across the world will compete, with an estimated attendance of 12,000 per day for the five day event.
2025 TROPICAL 7’S RUGBY TOURNAMENT
The Tropical 7’s Rugby Tournament will take place on April 18-19, 2025. This event features over 200 teams from across the country and around the world. This will be the 4th year that Tropical 7’s will be hosted at the Sportsplex. Estimated attendance is 6,500 per day for the two day event.
SPORTSPLEX HOTEL IMPACT
CONTRIBUTION REQUESTS
FY 2025’s anticipated operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses outlined in this document require the Authority to request a contribution of $1,802,341. This contribution is based on an operating subsidy of $589,451 and projected capital costs of 1,212,890. The Authority has an existing Interlocal Agreement with the County which states the County shall be responsible for any operating shortfalls realized by the SportsPlex. The SportsPlex does have an O&M funds on account, which was funded by a $500,000 working capital advance as outlined in the interlocal. The operating subsidy for FY 2025 referenced above, has been reduced by the operating budget surplus of $27,377 realized in FY 2023. A surplus is also forecasted to be generated in FY 2024, which would be applied to reduce the FY 2026 requested operating contribution.
REVENUES WERE DEVELOPED FROM THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS:
1) Total Operating Revenues for FY 2025 are budgeted at $1,202,676. This is $2,674 less than FY 2024 Budget. During FY 2024, Operating Revenues are forecasted to be $273,172 better than budget, primarily due to the addition of a new pre-paid parking program, the addition of four (4) unbudgeted football events and higher than expected concessions and vendor revenue. Additionally, direct expenses passed along to the events (realized as revenues) are higher related to the staffing for the pre-paid parking program, along with additional event requested security.
2) For FY 2025 we are happy to add additional sponsors, giving us an increase of $29,000 in sponsor revenue for FY-2025.
3) Concession Revenues for FY 2025 are budgeted at $254,750. This is $18,750 less than FY 2024. This is in part due to the decreased number of events and the schedule method for most soccer events, which reduces the patron’s time on the property.
4) Prior year budget surplus from FY 2023 of $27,377 is applied to lower the operating subsidy in accordance with the Interlocal agreement between TSA and Hillsborough County. The FY 2024 surplus, currently forecasted to be $202,164, which when finalized will be applied to offset the FY 2026 Operating Subsidy.
CONTRIBUTION REQUESTS
EXPENSES WERE DEVELOPED FROM THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS:
1) Total Expenses for FY 2025 are forecasted at $1,819,504, this is $3,029 less than FY 2024 Budget.
2) Electricity and water expenses for FY 2025 are greater than FY 2024 estimate as we have seen an increase of 10% in our current water/sewer charges.
3) 3.25% COLA and 0-3% merit increase for eligible full time employees, as well as a 7.69% increase in Florida minimum wage is included for part-time personal
4) The Department will continue to share in expense allocations for administrative costs centered at Raymond James Stadium (“RJS”) but allocated to all TSA entities. They will also utilize RJS HVAC and mechanic technicians and will share in the expense allocations for those positions.
5) Health insurance was increased 2% as the County plan anticipates an increase in premiums.
6) No meaningful change in overall (non-health) insurance costs, as insurance costs for the facilities were inline with prior the prior budget.
7) A 7.8% increase in Retirement costs has been included based on the revised FRS contribution rates effective July 1, 2024.
BUDGET NOTES
1) Accrual Accounting: The Authority’s SportsPlex budget is presented on an accrual basis. Monthly financial statements along with budget documents are presented on a full accrual basis of accounting.
2) Total Hillsborough Contribution: Contribution amount is a sum of present year operational profits/ (losses) and capital investments funded from the County through the Authority.
3) “Due To” Amounts: No “Due To” amounts are present between the SportsPlex, Golf Courses and Raymond James Stadium. “Due To’s” between these entities are present throughout the year but are reconciled quarterly and zero balanced at fiscal year-end.
4) Depreciation: Depreciation will be included in the Authority’s audited financial statements. Depreciation is not included in any financial requests from the Authority to the City of Tampa since it is a non-cash occurrence within the financial statements. Depreciation will not be included in the monthly financial statement for ease of analysis and comparison but will be included in the year end audited financial statements.
5) Salaries: Wages include full-time, part-time and over-time estimates and corresponding benefits such as social security, retirement and health insurance.
6) Capital Costs: Reimbursement for proposed capital costs is either directly funded or provided by Hillsborough County net of any operating surplus.
7) Income Tax: The Authority is a governmental agency and therefore exempt from Federal and State income taxes under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Florida Income Tax Code, respectively. There are no provisions for income taxes in the budget.
SPORTSPLEX OPERATIONS
REVENUE & EXPENSES
*$241,389 equals FY2022 budget surplus, $27,377 equals FY2023 budget surplus, and $202,164 represents the forecasted FY2024 budget surplus.
FY 2024 CAPITAL PROJECTS
Back-up Generator
In the event of a power outage during an event, the Caterpillar Diesel 800 kW Generator will provide back up power to the entire SportsPlex site, including the field lightning, data room, locker rooms, concessions, restrooms, sewage life station, and the maintenence building and pumps. The SportsPlex is designed to function as the Hillsborough County Public Saftey Operations Complex’s (PSOC) overflow in the event of a natural disaster, and this would ensure all of the necessary facilities are operational for this purpose.
Vendor Building
The vendor building consists of a 30’x30’ covered mixed use area, along with a 30’x40’ team store with WiFi access and slat wall fixtures, that event licensees can utilize to display merchandise for sale. There are six individual vendor bays that can be sized to meet the vendors’ needs. There also is a multi-use room at the front of the building that could be used as a registration room or another vendor space.
Toro® Reelmaster Mower
The Toro® Reelmaster 3575 reel mower provides an 8 foot wide cut path that makes it perfect for sports fields. This model is designed to be 20% lighter than previous models. The Reelmaster 3575 will allow more efficient maintenance of the 15 multipurpose fields at the SportsPlex.
PROJECTED CAPITAL PROJECTS
FY 2025 CAPITAL PROJECTS
Repaving of Overflow Parking Lot
The overflow parking area across Columbus Boulevard is a necessity for parking during our large events. We are looking to have the drive lanes asphalted to allow for better access into and throughout the parking area. This improvement will also ensure that this area is functional even during inclement weather. The Hillsborough County Emergency Management Department will also utilize this area in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Soccer
Goals
Due to the increased number of soccer tournaments utilizing short sided fields (2 smaller fields on 1 large field), it has become a necessity to purchase additional goals to accommodate the requests. We currently have 15 sets of soccer goals and will add to this with an order of an additional 18 sets of goals. This will insure we can accommodate these events and have an adequate backup supply.
