HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ - 04 (a) The Sports Facilities Companies, LLC ProposalNOVEMBER 15, 2023
TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE & THE CORTLAND REGIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
GUTCHESS LUMBER SPORTS COMPLEX
THE SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES // SPORTS FACILITIES Advisory, LLC
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 2
Table of Contents
Letter of TRANSMITTAL3
QUALIFICATIONS/ PROJECT PORTFOLIO5
METHODOLOGY11
WORK RECOMMENDATIONS14
PROJECT MANAGEMENT18
REFERENCES26
28 FEES
SCHEDULE30
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 3
LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 4
813.220.2129
eeleff@sportsfacilities.com
EVAN ELEFF
PARTNER/ PRIMARY CONTACT
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is pleased to present this submittal packet to the Town of Cortlandville & The Cortland Regional Sports
Council in response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for an updated Market Analysis and Feasibility Study for the Gutchess Lumber Sports
Complex, a Multi-Sports Complex. The RFP’s four phases are directly aligned with SFC’s Concept to Concrete process, which is our proven
method for developing an existing market assessment, determining market trends and opportunities, and optimizing successful sports and
recreation facilities. SFC will identify community needs, economic impact, anticipated project costs, job creation, updated market analysis, and
a sports need assessment. Based on the town’s and the council’s goals and SFC’s unmatched track record, we are confident that our process
will provide the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex with the most reliable, most credible information upon which to make decisions.
Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) has established the industry’s premier planning, funding, development, and operational network. Our team
has more than 2,500 professionals across the country, all working toward our mission of improving the health and economic vitality of the
communities we serve through sports, recreation, and wellness.
The SFC team believes in the power of sports and recreation not only because of our own personal experiences, but also because we have
seen the impact activity makes on communities with which we work. Since SFC was founded in 2003, we have served more than 3,000
communities across the United States and internationally, led the strategic planning of more than $15 billion of sports and recreation assets,
and provided management services for hundreds of facilities around the world. Each year our 50+ venues host more than 25 million visitors
and are expected to generate over $1 billion in economic impact over a five-year period.
Our depth of experience and commitment to working at a local level to enhance access to sports and recreation while identifying and creating
strategies for generating tourism impacts through our comprehensive services makes us the ideal partner for the Town of Cortlandville &
The Cortland Regional Sports Council. Unlike any other national service provider in our industry, we fully stand behind our study results;
while this scope of work is specifically focused on assessing feasibility, the approach we take is reflective of the long-range path to success
and sustainability. If selected, Sports Facilities Advisory will lead the feasibility assessment by working with you to refine your vision, define
success, and create the plan that best serves your community goals and needs. Through that process, the Advisory Team will incorporate
real-world, real-time insights and best practices provided by our venue planning arm (Sports Facilities Development) and our management
company (Sports Facilities Management). The result will be the most reliable, most credible assessment that will enable great decision-making
and set up the Town of Cortlandville for the highest impact, lowest risk path forward.
Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is well-equipped to tackle all responsibilities and deliver results. We have the ability for additional consultation,
evaluation, and fieldwork.
The enclosed proposal details the process SFC will use to fulfill the requirements for the study as outlined in the RFP, we believe you will
appreciate knowing that from our perspective and in our experience, this set of services is exactly what you should focus on for the first step
in the feasibility assessment process. An outline of Concept to Concrete can be found on page 13 and is referenced throughout our response
to showcase how our process aligns perfectly with the Scope of Work. We hope the information and approach in this submittal resonates with
your team and the detail included provides the selection committee with enthusiasm for working with us! We are passionate about this process
and looking forward to working in, with, and for the Town of Cortlandville & The Cortland Regional Sports Council.
Sincerely,
Dear Selection Committee:
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 5
QUALIFICATIONS/
PROJECT PORTFOLIO
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 6
Firm overview
PLAN & FUND
DEVELOP
PERFORM
SPORTS FACILITIES ADVISORY
Founded in 2003, we have served more than 3,000 communities and
assisted with more than $15 billion in planned projects. Our plan-to-
fund approach means we can deliver much more than the industry’s
leading research and financial forecast documents, we can deliver
projects that are attractive to finance sources, capital partners, and
municipal funding sources.
SPORTS FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT
The services provided by the Development Team were born out of
customer demand for better alignment between facility design and
operations. Our owner’s representation, procurement, and venue
planning services not only achieve this goal by pairing proven operators
with clients’ design teams, but save money in procurement, reduce risk,
and streamline the process for everyone involved.
SPORTS FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Sports Facilities Management is the youth and amateur sports industry
leader in outsourced facility management. We are purpose built to
serve the goals and visions of our clients and produce results. We are
the ultimate partner for clients who want to maintain control of their
assets without the headaches, expense, and risk of daily operations.
Our proven performance has led us to represent the SF Network, the
largest and fastest growing network of sports and recreation facilities
in the country.
YEARS IN OPERATION: 20 years
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS:
600 Cleveland St, Suite 910
Clearwater, FL 33755
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 2,500+
CORPORATE STRUCTURE:
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
CONTRACTING FIRM:
Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC
COMMUNITIES SERVED: 3,000+
SOUGHT-AFTER RESOURCE TO:
• International City & County Manager's
Association (ICMA)
• National Recreation & Parks Association
(NRPA)
• Sports ETA (Sports Tourism)
• Aspen Institute Project Play 2024
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
• Market Research
• Feasibility Reports
• Economic Impact Forecasts
• Financial Forecasts (Pro Forma)
• Community Engagement
• Facility Optimization Services
• Community Partnership Development
• Project Finance Strategy
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 7
Practice philosophy
SFC IS PROVEN
No one has a proven track record like SFC. No one. We plan more
projects than anyone in the industry, using real-world, real-time
data that is constantly updated through our national operations.
Our development team continuously delivers projects for our clients
on-time and under budget; leveraging our understanding of the
industry as well as our unmatched buying power that complies with
our client’s purchasing/procurement laws. Finally, our management
team delivers, evidenced by our ability to grow our management
footprint while continually renewing our existing agreements with our
partners. As part of your process, we encourage you to reach out
and speak with our clients to understand the level of service and
partnership we bring to the table.
Your goals are our goals. Our model creates a fully transparent op-
eration for the Town of Cortlandville and allows you to stay in full
control of your asset. Our team will always make decisions in the
best interest of the Town of Cortlandville and the facility and all bot-
tom-line improvements go directly to your operating account; pro-
viding a pathway to sustainability and capital improvements.
Transparency. SFC’s model includes sophisticated and accurate
forecasting, business planning, and financial/performance report-
ing that provides the Town of Cortlandville with 100% transparency
which is uncommon among most private sector partners.
Collaboration & Control. SFC prides ourselves on creating positive
and long lasting relationships with our public partners and their staff.
Our model leads to healthy collaboration while ensuring the City
maintains full authority and decision-making control at all times.
We are stable. SFC is 2,500+ employees strong with the same own-
ership group since 2003. We have not assembled a team of indi-
viduals together to respond to the needs of this RFP. We are not
an upstart company, a local entity, or an event operations company
learning how to manage facilities on the job. For the Town of Cort-
landville, this means that we will not be learning on the job and you
have a long-term guaranteed partner. We will quickly assimilate our
team and transition operations in order to place the Town of Cort-
landville in the best position to be successful as quickly as possible.
More events. More Economic Impact. More profit.
WE BELIEVE SPORTS AND REC TRANSFORMS
COMMUNITIES
We won’t stop at just a study- SFC’s philosophy is to create a road
map for the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex. We will partner with
you to improve the following for your community:
• Health
• Economic
• Social
• Safety
• Education
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 8
MASTER PLANNING � COMMUNITY RECREATION � OUTDOOR
FIRM ROLES & SERVICES
Advisory:Market Analysis
Stakeholder Interviews
Strategic Planning Sessions
Financial Projection and Opinion of Cost for Development
Conceptual Design Development
Feasibility Report
Plante’s Ferry, nestled in the heart of Spokane, Washington, stands as a testament to the
city’s rich history and enduring charm. Plante’s Ferry Park, named in honor of the pioneering
Plante family, welcomes visitors to explore its picturesque surroundings and enjoy the
tranquil beauty of the riverbanks. The park features a mix of recreational amenities, from
walking trails and open green spaces to picnic areas, providing a serene escape within the
bustling city.
The City of Spokane engaged the Sports Facilities Companies in completing a Master Plan
for Plante’s Ferry Sports Park. The Master Plan stands as a comprehensive roadmap for
the evolution of this iconic destination in Spokane, Washington, into a premier sports and
recreational facility performed the community analysis and engaged stakeholders to review
the plan and creation of versatile sports fields as well as an allocated space for dedicated
courts for tennis, basketball, and other individual or small-group activities.
PLANTE’S FERRY
SPORTS COMPLEX
SPOKANE, WA
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 9
SPORTS TOURISM � COMMUNITY RECREATION � INDOOR/OUTDOOR
PROJECT STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Size:120 acres, 100,000 ft2
Features:
4 Basketball / 8 Volleyball Courts Membership-Based Wellness Center
4 Baseball & 5 Softball Fields 16-Court Tennis Center
5 Multi-Purpose Fields Indoor / Outdoor Pool & Aquatic Center
FIRM ROLES & SERVICES
Advisory:Financial Forecasting Development:Venue Planning
Program Planning
Management:Pre-Opening Management
Full-Time Management
Sand Mountain Park is an exceptional project in Albertville, Alabama, with 130
acres of sports, recreation, and entertainment areas. This facility offers a wide
variety of both local use and sports tourism use for all guests to enjoy just over an
hour north of Birmingham.
SFC’s role in pre-opening development includes business development, event
booking, brand development and marketing, strategic planning, hiring, and
organizational structure definition. SFC was also contracted for FF&E and Venue
Planning services including, fixture and equipment procurement and design
consultation. SFC is engaged as the outsourced management solution for the
entire 120 acre complex inclusive of sports tourism and local park and recreation
programming.
SAND MOUNTAIN
PARK & AMPHITHEATER
ALBERTVILLE, AL
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 10
SPORTS TOURISM � COMMUNITY RECREATION � OUTDOOR
PROJECT STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Size:160 acres
Features:
13 Configurable Fields 1,500-seat Championship Field
- 9 Turf / 4 Natural Grass Lounging Pavilions
5 Collegiate Baseball Fields Warm-Up Areas and Tournament Bldg
FIRM ROLES & SERVICES
Advisory:Financial Forecasting Development:Owner’s Representation
Program Planning FF&E Procurement
Economic Impact
Community Engagement
Management:Pre-Opening Management
Full-Time Management
Publix Sports Park is a premier, configurable outdoor sports complex, which
opened in 2019. The venue was built with the goal of employing a sports tourism
strategy to fill hotel rooms during Panama City Beach’s offseason.
The SF Companies provided a comprehensive set of services in the development,
opening, and on-going management of the complex. The Advisory team conducted
an economic impact analysis, financial forecast, and program planning, followed
by owner’s representation services and FF&E procurement with the Development
team. The Management team provided pre-opening services up through grand
opening in 2019 and currently provides full-time management services for the
outdoor complex.
PUBLIX
SPORTS PARK
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 11
METHODOLOGY
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 12
CRSC’s Goal: to offer a variety of recreational
programs that provide Town of Cortland citizens
with the opportunity to learn new skills and
have fun while developing physically, emotion-
ally and socially in a safe environment
Our Mission: To improve the health and
economic vitality of the communities we
serve through sports, recreation, wellness,
events, and entertainment facilities and pro-
grams.
methodolgy overview
Based on our industry-leading experience in planning, funding,
developing, and operating youth and amateur sports, recreation,
wellness, event, and entertainment facilities across the country, we
have developed dozens of proprietary systems and methodologies
that relate to this scope. While there are far too many to list, three
stand out as the most critical for this project:
1. Maintain Focus on “The Why”
Your team has outlined your desired outcomes, and at every step we
will re-focus on those outcomes (and any others that are added) to
ensure our work is aligned with your goals. We do this by helping
to define success, identifying opportunities and challenges to those
definitions of success, and taking a strategic approach to capitalizing
on opportunities and mitigating challenges and/or risks.
2. Take a Data-Driven Approach
We have more data related to youth and amateur sports and
recreation than any other group, and we use that data along with our
real-world operating experience to make strategic recommendations
and provide the most reliable, credible information possible.
Every analysis we perform and every recommendation we make
is based on data from our managed facilities, facilities we advise,
data provided by clients, data available through research, and our
myriad of national associations (e.g. Aspen Institute Project Play,
USIndoor, Sports ETA). Furthermore, each program and activity
we analyze goes through an eight-step, 68-factor analysis that has
been developed and is constantly updated by reverse engineering
real-world operating data, key performance indicators, and national
benchmarks.
3. Collaborate and Learn
We are recognized as the leading national experts, but you and
your constituents are the true local experts. As clear as the desired
outcomes may be and as detailed as the data we have is, we must
work with and learn from you and your community in order to provide
the best possible information, insights, and strategies for the Town
of Cortlandville.
vision
With SFc you will get a roadmap for
success, not just an analysis.
EVAN ELEFF
PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE, SFC
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 13
SFC’S CONCEPT 2 CONCRETE MODEL
The process map below visually demonstrates SFC’s Concept 2 Concrete model, which we have used to support similar initiatives
throughout the United States and which has resulted in the successful planning, funding, development, and operation of more
sports and recreation complexes than any other company in the country, including several of the most prominent, impactful, and
prosperous sports tourism complexes in the U.S.
Generally, SFC’s Concept 2 Concrete model segments the project life cycle into three phases:
1. Pre-Development Planning (Steps 1-3 Above): these steps result in a data-driven, strategic approach to evaluating key
market and industry factors, identifying the ideal facility and location, establishing an opinion of cost, forecasting financial
performance and economic impact, communicating the full array of project benefits, mitigating risks, generating support,
forming partnerships, and securing funding for the project. Importantly, this phase will define and establish ownership and
operating roles, which typically includes public-public and/or public-private partnership elements that will ensure the Town
of Cortlandville & The Cortland Regional Sports Council’s short-term and long-term goals are met.
2. Facility Development (Steps 4-6 Above): these steps encompass every aspect of design and construction, including
architecture and engineering partner selection, site due diligence, concept plan development, cost validation, design and
construction document development, venue planning, procurement, contracting, cost control, value engineering, and
construction management through completion. Importantly, this phase will result in the most cost-effective, operationally
successful complex(es) that are delivered on time, on budget, and set up to meet or exceed performance expectations.
3. Ongoing Operations (Steps 7-9 Above): these steps include every pre-opening and post-opening component of a
successful operation, including hiring and training, operational set up (branding, marketing, systems and technology set-up,
etc.), pre-opening marketing, pre-opening event booking, program and service offerings set-up, grand opening, opening
and early-stage operations, and ongoing operations (booking, marketing campaigns, ongoing strategic planning, financial
and economic impact reporting, ongoing team development, program and event management, etc.). Importantly, this phase
will result in the delivery of an operation that maximizes economic impact, ensures operational sustainability, and improves
economic, health, social, and safety conditions throughout The Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex.
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 14
WORK
RECOMMENDATIONS
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 15
procedures & methods
PHASE I: PROJECT INITIATION AND
MARKET ANALYSIS
Project Kick-Off Meeting and Ongoing Project
Coordination
To initiate the project, SFC (the Advisory Team) will set up an
initial virtual kick-off meeting with the Town of Cortlandville &
The Cortland Regional Sports Council and any key partners
you wish to include (the Client Team) to cover six topics that
allows the Advisory Team to begin its work. Those topics are:
• Introductions
• Project History & Key Insights
• Existing Data
• Potential Partners and Stakeholders
• Key Dates for the Project
• Other Questions & Answers
Throughout the project, the Advisory Team will provide
weekly update emails to ensure full transparency in the
process and to provide the Client Team with details related to
progress, work performed, and work ahead. Additionally, the
Advisory Team will work with the Client Team to schedule and
facilitate virtual progress meetings to provide updates, solicit
feedback, make and follow-up on requests, and coordinate
future meetings and presentations.
Existing Data Review & Market Analysis
Following the kick-off meeting and prior to the site visit, the
Advisory Team will request and review any existing data,
documentation, and/or resources related to the project.
The Advisory Team expects the existing data will include
information related to existing facilities, organizational
structure, marketing and business development plans and
budgets, historic program and event details, existing and
potential partner relationships, existing contracts, past
studies, and economic tools that could be deployed to fund
to expand youth sports facilities and opportunities in the
Town of Cortlandville.
The Advisory Team understands that some existing data may
not be possessed by the Client Team, so the Advisory Team
will request introductions to other groups (e.g., etc.) that have
pertinent information to share.
The Advisory Team will then conduct preliminary
market research, which will encompass demographics,
socioeconomics, activity participation rates and trends,
trends in sports tourism, existing Gutchess Lumber Sports
Complex inventory, and an analysis of outside service
providers (competition) to identify factors that influence
recommendations and projections. Additionally, the Advisory
Team will review data and perform research related to sports
tourism infrastructure such as local hotel inventory, price
points, and occupancy levels.
Finally, the Advisory Team will generate reports related to
both existing sports tourism-capable facilities in the Town of
Cortlandville and for leading sports tourism facilities in the
region to establish historic data and comparative performance
benchmarks. To produce these reports, the Advisory Team
uses its existing data from more than 700 sports, recreation,
and event facilities across the country as well as cutting-
edge mobile analytics technology to understand key metrics
for sports tourism, including visitor origin, non-local visitor
volume, consumer characteristics, seasonality, and more.
Site Visit with Development Planning Session (DPS),
Market Tour, Facilities Tour, and Stakeholder & User
Group Meetings
Prior to traveling to market, the Advisory Team will work
with the Client Team to develop a schedule of meetings,
events, and tours. Working together, we will create an
agenda and schedule that maximizes the opportunity to
gain alignment, engage community members/groups and
project stakeholders, and develop a deep familiarity with
the community and the factors that will support a successful
project.
The Advisory Team’s site visit will begin with a Development
Planning Session (DPS), which is a half-day session designed
to create alignment, identify the parameters of the project,
and create the most likely path forward for the project. The
DPS will encompass discussions related to existing programs
and events, project goals, and plans for site development,
as well as topics such as the business model, the program
plan, design/space considerations, alliances with sports and
other user groups, utilization, funding/financing, competition
analysis, and market share, the management and staffing
plan, and much more. This step also assists the Advisory
Team in learning about potential contributions from program
users and partners.
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 16
As part of the site visit, the Advisory Team will work with the
Client Team to schedule tours of existing sports tourism-
capable facilities in the Town of Cortlandville. These tours
will enable the Advisory Team to evaluate the opportunity to
leverage existing sports infrastructure to expand the County’s
sports tourism program.
While in market, the Advisory Team will independently tour the
County to gain a clear understanding of existing sports tourism
infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, retail, and entertainment
facilities) that should be considered when evaluating the ideal
location for a new complex, if recommended.
Additionally, the Advisory Team will independently visit
leading sports tourism facilities near The Gutchess Lumber
Sports Complex to develop a detailed understanding of the
competition and opportunities for enhanced sports tourism
facilities, sports, events, and programs that will support a
successful project.
During the visit, the Advisory Team will facilitate meetings
with key stakeholders and potential user groups to share
information about the study, gain insights from them, and
generate support for the project. The Advisory Team will work
with the Client Team to develop the schedule and invitation
for these important meetings. For clarity, the Advisory Team
classifies “stakeholders” as potential project supporters;
these are typically a combination of elected officials,
tourism-focused organizations (e.g. VisitCincy), hotel/
motel association members, and more. The Advisory Team
classifies “user groups” as potential facility users; these are
typically tournament and events rights holders, local sports
clubs, Parks & Recreation leaders, schools, and more.
PHASE II | FINANCIAL FORECASTING,
ECONOMIC IMPACT, AND POTENTIAL
PARTNER ASSESSMENT
Detailed Recommended Facility Program & Opinion of
Cost
Building upon the Market and Needs Report and integrating
feedback from the Client Team, the Advisory Team will develop
a detailed facility program and opinion of cost for developing
a new tourism destination complex that best allows the
County to achieve its desired outcomes. If improvements to
existing facilities are recommended, the Advisory Team will
also develop recommendations and an opinion of cost for
improving existing assets.
All recommendations, cost estimates, and timelines produced
will be based on SFC’s direct role in the development of over
200 similar complexes across the United States and its real-
time, real-world insights from best-in-class facilities around
the country.
Detailed Financial Forecast (Pro Forma)
Based on the recommendations made in the above step,
the Advisory Team will complete more in-depth research/
analysis to produce a 5-year cash flow forecast. The Advisory
Team’s pro forma documents are detailed, institutional-grade
financial forecasts used to better understand Return on
Investment and support decision-making and financing.
The pro forma will provide insight into the financial potential of
the complex and will include projections related to programs,
pricing, utilization, revenues/expenses by product/program,
overhead expenses, management structure, EBITDA, and
more.
The pro forma will provide the Advisory Team with detailed
financial projections related to and based on:
• The ideal business model
• Right-sized program spaces and space requirements
• New construction costs based on recent, comparable
projects
• Recommended parking
• Revenue by product/program
• Direct/variable costs (cost of goods sold)
• Facility and operating expenses
• Management and staffing model
Economic Impact Analysis
The Advisory Team will forecast the economic impact of the
projected facility on an annual basis. Economic impact is
defined as new off-site spending that will occur in the market
as a result of tournaments and events held at facilities in the
Town of Cortlandville. This information is used to project
economic activity from out-of-town visitors who would not
be in the market but for the offerings and events at the
complex(es).
The results, primarily quantified as room nights generated
and direct spending, are used by elected officials and private
developers alike to understand the impact that the complex
will have on the lodging, dining, retail, entertainment, and
transportation industries as well as on the tax base.
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 17
The Advisory Team’s economic impact projections are
developed based on projections throughout the pro forma
and reflective of several key drivers of economic impact,
including:
• Number of Events
• Number of Guests
• Percent of Guests from Out of Town
• Length of Stay
• Average Daily Rate (ADR)
• Average Daily Expenditures (ADE)
PHASE III | FINAL REPORT AND
PRESENTATION
Feasibility Report and Presentation
Upon completion of Phase II, the Advisory Team will package
findings into a formal Feasibility Report. The Feasibility
Report will serve as a summary of findings that address the
market, facilities, and financial outcomes for the project. The
report will include:
• Executive summary
• Market overview
• Demographic and socioeconomic overview
• Participation analysis
• Competition analysis
• Events analysis
• Industry data and trends
• Facility program and construction cost estimate
• Overview of programs, products, and revenue streams
• Summary of financial and economic impact performance
• Conclusion with key findings and next steps
The Advisory Team will present the draft documents to
the Client Team via video conference and deliver the draft
documents via email. Following the Client Team’s review, the
Advisory Team will facilitate a follow-up meeting to answer
questions and address requested updates to the draft
documents, then produce a final version of all deliverable
documents.
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 18
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
The SFA teamOrganized to create results
For every project, SFC assigns a corporate Account Executive and Project Manager that
leads organization, communication, scheduling, strategy, and quality control for our clients
while managing all of our project resources, which is often comprised of dozens of team
members dedicated to fulfilling each scope of work. This two-resource leadership
approach ensures that we have consistency across our services and that a primary
point of contact is always available to “jump in” as the need arises.
Many of our services are led by our corporate team based out of Clearwater, FL.
When leading from Florida, we will travel as necessary to attend all meetings that
require in-person representation, and we lead/support remotely when appropriate to
ensure we are being good stewards of our clients’ financial resources.
On the technical side of organization and communication, we provide working project
timelines and weekly updates (at a minimum) to ensure that our clients are constantly aware
of our progress and areas of focus. We work with our clients to outline and deliver on the
organization and communication plan that works for them, and we adapt as necessary to ensure
that our processes are reflective of the desired processes of our clients.
Evan Eleff
Principal
KEVIN SCHUH
Account
Executive
RYAN FERGUSON
Project
Manager
CARSON SCHLATHER
Project
Coordinator
ryan schmidtke
Research Specialist
& Business Writer
Nicholas Frame
Business
Analyst
Since 2012, Evan has led SFC to its current status as the
preeminent planning and finance support service firm in
the community sport and parks marketplace. Evan and
his team have produced more than 2,000 studies that are
transforming the parks and recreation, sports tourism, and
community sport landscape.
PRINCIPAL/ PARTNER
EVANEleff
SPECIALTIES :
financial forecasting, budget
creation, program plan optimization
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 17
EDUCATION:
MBA, Sports Management
University of Florida
Evan has been directly involved in the development, opening, programming, management,
and/or optimization of more than 50 SF Companies venues.
Evan is considered one of the country’s foremost experts in the youth and amateur
sports and recreation industry and is an authority on new facility planning, public-private
partnership creation, sports tourism destination development, and operational optimization.
He is a key resource and speaker for industry associations including International City/
County Management Association (ICMA), International Association of Venue Managers
(IAVM), National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), The Aspen Institute Project
Play, US Indoor Sports Association, and others.
Evan has served in key roles for several groundbreaking projects focused on expanding
awareness of the social, educational, economic, and health-based impacts of sport and
activity, including the multiple Project Play regional reports, the Florida Recreation and
Park Association Parks Benefit Calculator, and the Pure Michigan Sports Economic Impact
Report.
Prior to joining SFC, Evan was the Director of Operations for the largest YMCA in the
Tampa YMCA Association and was the Director of Marketing for Facility Vendor Network.
NOTEWORTHY MEMBERSHIPS, ACCREDITATIONS, & ACHIEVEMENTS
Creator, National Recreation & Parks Association Calculator
Speaker and Content Contributor, ICMA
Speaker, US Indoor Sports Association
Blue Ridge Leaders’ School
Tampa YMCA
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Steele Creek Park Master Plan - Bristol, TN
Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation - Seaside, OR
The Bridge Sports Complex - Bridgeport, WV
Florida Recreation and Park Association Impact Calculator - Statewide, FL
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire - Eau Claire, WI
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater - Albertville, AL
The HUB - Marion, IL
NOTABLE PROJECTS
St. Louis Sports Commission – Member of the Community Outreach Committee 2018-2022
Missouri Parks and Recreation Association – President of Statewide Fitness Section
Missouri Foundation for Health – Health Leadership Fellow 2016-2018
*City of Chesterfield, MO – Perfect Game lease, Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex
*City of Ferguson, MO - Livewell Ferguson Program Manager
*City of Chesterfield, MO - Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex $4m renovation funding
*Please note: Projects completed prior to joining the firm.
Kevin uses these experiences and his passion for sports and sports management to
drive tremendous outcomes for clients as an Account Executive for the Sports Facilities
Companies.
In his role, Kevin acts as a project manager, client relationship manager, strategist, and
facilitator for the venue throughout the funding phase. He uses the financial forecasts,
economic impact studies, utilization analyses, and other project information documents,
created by the advisory services, team to ensure that facility projects are positioned well
for funding and operational success. Kevin also uses his current relationships or develops
new relationships with community stakeholders, landowners, investors, local sports
organizations, and other beneficial partners to further drive projects.
Before joining the Sports Facilities Companies team, Kevin worked for the City of
Chesterfield where he was the Recreation Manager before being promoted to the
Superintendent of Sports and Wellness. While he was the Recreation Manager, he brought
in the USA Junior Softball Championship which drove an estimated $1 million dollars of
economic impact.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
KEVINSchuh
SPECIALTIES:
parks & rec,
community engagement
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 16
EDUCATION:
MA, Sports Management
Linwood University
BA, Sports Management
Linwood University
CERTIFICATION:
Certified Park and Recreation
Professional (1998)
Kevin Schuh has over 15 years of experience managing
events and recreation programs for several municipalities.
He is an experienced leader with a strong track record of
improving recreation programs and the communities that
they serve by forming and maintaining strong relationships
with employees, clients, and partners.
In his role as project manager, Ryan serves as project lead for advisory services projects. His
work includes plan development and client communications. He contributes to a variety of
industry reports including economic impact analysis, market opportunity reports, Pro Formas,
feasibility reports, and facility program and opinion of cost reports. His work ensures that
these reports are best in-class and help communities meet their definition of success.
Ryan was a member of the University of Florida’s football team while attending school there
and now he uses that experience to help coach the varsity boys football team at Indian Rocks
Christian School.
PROJECT MANAGER
RYANFerguson
SPECIALTIES:
plan development, client
communications
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 4
EDUCATION:
BS, Finance
University of Florida
CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Associate in
Project Management (CAPM)
Ryan is an emerging project management professional with
experience as a project analyst in the defense industry. He
looks to build upon all the knowledge and experience that he
gained these and other roles to make a significant impact as
project manager for The Sports Facilities Companies.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Caporella Aquatic Center - Tamarac, FL
Bill Noble Park - Gardendale, AL
Legends Event Center - Bryan, TX
Carson is an emerging sports management professional with
experience supporting operations and compliance efforts for
college athletic departments. Carson brings a deep passion
for the impact of sports on communities of all sizes and
attention to detail to her role as Project Coordinator for SFC.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
CARSONSCHLATHER
SPECIALTIES :
research, market analysis
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 2
EDUCATION
MA, Sports Management
Florida State University
BA, International Relations
Florida State University
In her role, Carson conducts comprehensive market research related to existing service
providers, demographic/socioeconomic characteristics, sports participation rates, pricing
studies, and programming/tournament inventories. Her work helps our pre-development
team build client deliverables and make recommendations related to the development of new
sports, recreation, events, and entertainment facilities.
Through her work in the athletic departments at Rollins College and Eckerd College, Carson
focused on both organizational compliance and developing initiatives that support the health
and well-being of student athletes.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Brandon Parks & Recreation - Brandon, MS
WYO Sports Ranch - Casper, WY
Bill Noble Park - Gardendale, AL
Ryan is a dedicated writer and research professional with
extensive experience developing articles and comprehensive
guides on a variety of topics. Ryan brings his ability to
research and communicate a high volume of information,
some of it complex in nature, to his role as Research
Specialist & Business Writer.
Ryan plays a key role for SFC by developing and writing market opportunity reports,
feasibility studies, business plans, presentations, and other reports as well as collecting,
assessing, and reporting on the internal and external market and industry data that forms
the foundation of SFA’s institutional-grade analyses and forecasts.
Ryan is a recent graduate of Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He has completed various pro bono legal opportunities while at Stetson in the areas of
immigration and elder law, utilizing university-learned and self-taught linguistic skills in
Spanish, Portuguese, and more.
Ryan is also a contributor to sports and sports business article collections on Medium.com.
His work also includes The International Football (Soccer) Legal Research Guide.
RESEARCH SPECIALIST &
BUSINESS WRITER
RYANSCHMIDTKE
SPECIALTIES:
market research, business writing
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 9
EDUCATION:
JD, International Law/International
Business Law
Stetson University
BA, History
Hispanic Studies
East Carolina University
CERTIFICATION:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business
LANGUAGES:
Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Bluhawk Sports Park - Overland Park, KS
Brandon Parks & Recreation - Brandon, MS
BUSINESS ANALYST
NICHOLASFRAME
SPECIALTIES:
business process improvement, systems
management , data visualization/analysis
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 8
EDUCATION:
MBA, Business Administration
University of South Florida
BA, Sport Management
Flagler College
Nic is a dedicated market and business analyst who has
worked with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Women’s Tennis
Association (WTA), and Power Design, Inc. Nic brings his
analytical skills, technical support experience and business
intelligence software adaptability to his role as Business
Analyst for SFC projects.
In his role, Nic builds, automates, and maintains financial forecast, economic impact,
and other business modeling templates. He also supports SFC’s Development/Strategic
Advisors and Project Managers in the enhancement and execution of formal documents
used to make financial decisions for public and private projects. Additionally, Nic guides our
facility optimization and financial planning and analysis (FP&A) processes. Currently, he is
integrating data visualization into many of our research projects.
Nic’s ability to develop and manage business process improvement has generated proven
results for companies in the sports, finance, and construction industries.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Pro Forma Automation
Power BI Visualization
Database Creation - Benchmarks & Performance
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 26
REFERENCES
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES References
Susan Joseph Nielsen,Economic Development Department
snielsen@spokanevalleywa.gov
plantesferrycomplex.com
509-720-5058
City of Spokane Valley
Tracey Honea, Mayor
mayorhonea@cityofalbertville.com
cityofalbertville.com
256-891-8240
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater
Mark Sheldon, Mayor
mark.sheldon@pcbfl.gov
playpanamacitybeach.com
850-233-5100
Publix Sports Park
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 28
FEES
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 29
PRICE PROPOSAL
Dear Selection Committee,
On behalf of my partners and the entire SFC Team, I want to thank you for the opportunity to respond to this RFP. We are excited and driven by
the opportunity to partner with the Town of Cortland and The Cortland Regional Sports Council on such an exciting project and continue to grow
your already strong presence and relationship with the area. Per instructed in the request for proposal, we have mailed the fees in a separate sealed
envelope to:
John McNerney
Town of CortlandvilleParks & Recreation
3577 Terrace RoadCortland, NY 13045
SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES 30
SCHEDULE
Project Schedule
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12
Kick Off Call
Existing Data Review and Market Analysis
Site Visit with Development Planning Session (DPS), Market Tour, Facilities Tour, and Stakeholder & User Group Meetings
Facility Program & Opinion of Cost
Detailed Financial Forecast (Pro Forma)
Economic Impact
Feasibility Report & Presentation
Virtual MeetingsOn-Site Meetings
OUR MISSION
To improve the health and
economic vitality of the
communities we serve.
2,500+
TEAM MEMBERS
ACROSS THE
NATION
WE REPRESENT SOME OF
THE MOST DEDICATED
RESEARCHERS, ANALYSTS
OPERATORS, ADVISORS, AND
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
IN THE YOUTH AND AMATEUR
SPORTS INDUSTRY
3,000+
COMMUNITIES
SERVED SINCE 2003
OUR WORK HAS SPANNED THE
US AND INTERNATIONALLY
INCLUDING PROJECTS IN
THE BAHAMAS, THAILAND,
COLOMBIA, AND OTHERS.
WE’VE STUDIED A VAST
VARIETY OF BUSINESS MODELS
& TYPES; OUR DEPTH &
BREADTH IS AN ADVANTAGE
FOR OUR CLIENTS.
$15 B
IN PLANNED &
FORECASTED
PROJECTS
WE SPECIALIZE IN COMMUNITY
RECREATION CENTERS, SPORTS
TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS,
AND MIXED-USE REAL ESTATE
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
WE PRODUCE SUCCESSFUL
SPORTS AT EVERY STEP AND
EVERY STAGE, FROM CONCEPT
TO CONCRETE.
25 MM
ANNUAL GUEST
VISITS IN SFM
FACILITIES
IN THE SF NETWORK, THE
LARGEST AND FASTEST
GROWING NETWORK
OF SPORTS TOURISM,
RECREATION, AND EVENTS
FACILITIES OF ITS KIND IN THE
NATION