Corporate Report Report from Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Recreation Business Development; and Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Economic Development Date of Report: November 8, 2016 Date of Meeting: November 21, 2016 Report Number: PRCS/CAO-309-2016 File: 68.32.99 and 68.45.99 Subject: Partnership Investment Opportunity: 2018 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Americas U18 Men’s Championship Bid Recommendation That Council receive the report regarding the Niagara Sport Commission submission of a bid to host the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship for information purposes; and That in accordance with City Policy, Council deny the request by the Niagara Sport Commission to waive fees associated with the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship; and That the Clerk be directed to make the necessary notifications. FORTHWITH Summary The Niagara Sport Commission has prepared a bid to host the FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship June 12-18, 2018. The bid proposal was submitted on November 3, 2016, with a provision that municipal partnership funding support would be pursued; more specifically, partnership investment / fee waiver in the amount of $64,250. FIBA intends to notify all eliminated communities early December 2016 and award the bid February 2017. St. Catharines has a strong and growing basketball community with the addition of the Niagara River Lions establishing their home court at the Meridian Centre. These factors provide an opportunity to host an elite level event at the Meridian Centre which should generate interest in the event and provide an opportunity to showcase the City. Background Mr. Bram Cotton, Chief Executive Officer of the Niagara Sport Commission, submitted a letter to staff (Appendix 1) with a Partnership Investment Opportunity request for the 2018 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Americas U18 Men’s Championship. The City of St. Catharines has proven it is an event City and has benefitted greatly from hosting on a national stage. From the World Rowing Championships on the historic Henley to the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games and most recently, the 2016 IIHF Ice Report Page 1 of 4 Hockey U18 Women’s World Championships, our community has a historic and successful track record in hosting events. Report The Niagara Sport Commission (NSC) is seeking financial partnership support through the provision of rental fee waiver and event related costs in the amount of $64,250. The tournament is composed of eight teams (each made up of twelve athletes) / 22 game format over five days of competition. The eight teams are split into two pools of four teams where they begin the event in round robin format, followed by a quarterfinal, elimination phase. Estimated attendance is at 22,000 spectators. Due to the high level of competition in this event, the numerous neighbours in the Niagara Region, Buffalo, Hamilton, and Toronto areas should make for a potential sell out event. Canada has never been host to the FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship. Past host cities / countries have included: • 2006 San Antonio, USA • 2008 Formosa, Argentina • 2010 San Antonio, USA • 2012 Sao Sebastiao do Paraiso, Brazil • 2014 Colorado Springs, USA • 2016 Valdivia, Chile Team Canada is no stranger to this competition having participated in the Championship and Canada’s very own Steve Nash (former eight time NBA all-star) being named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1999 and 2003. This has the potential to be the first major international basketball event at the Meridian Centre that will allow the opportunity to showcase that it is a multiuse facility. Benefits of Hosting • The potential economic impact of $4 million • Inclusion to City’s event hosting resume • Social and Community Legacy • Volunteer and Community Development • Community Sport Legacy • Sport Hosting Legacy Potential Legacy Components It is anticipated that hosting the Championship will assist in building and improving the sport of basketball in the community, including, but not limited to: • Sport Hosting Framework • Creation and development of additional youth basketball programs • New basketball floor that would be owned by the Niagara Sport Commission with option to be rented or purchased Report Page 2 of 4 Although the NSC has agreed to serve as the lead in executing and planning the event, partners would be selected, and the City would act as the Host Municipality, and participation in the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) would establish the City as a sponsor of the Games. The LOC would include representation from the NSC, Host Municipality, Basketball Canada, Provincial government, and the private sector. Local Host Committee Responsibilities would include: • All event hosting costs o Meals o Accommodations o Ground Transportation o Dressing Room Supplies o Marketing and Communication o Ticketing Service Plan o Sponsorship and Sponsorship Servicing o Facilities • Ticket Sales • Local grants and sponsorships • Additional Revenue Opportunities (eg. 50/50, program sales, merchandise, concessions, parking) Estimated Economic Impact Utilizing the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model, the NSC has estimated this event would have a positive impact on the economy of approximately $4 million. Financial Implications In accordance with City Policy, staff recommend that Council deny the request to waive the associated fees. The estimated partnership investment / fee waiver costs include: Request Amount Approximate costs associated with the use of the Meridian Centre which is not inclusive of costs for additional security services that $64,000 could be required of FIBA. These details are not known at this time. Approximate road closure costs for a one day activation between $250 bridges on St. Paul Street Total Partnership Investment / Fee Waiver $64,250 Relationship to Strategic Plan The 2018 FIBA Americans U18 Men’s Championship supports the economic, social and cultural sustainability goals through work with Regional partners to support successful collaboration to support the development of our Country’s amateur athletes by creating events that draw the community together, encourages local engagement and investment as well as attracting new visitors to the community to enjoy, support, and grow our local economy. Report Page 3 of 4 The recommendations of this report support the following Strategic Plan Goal’s identified by Council: • Economic Sustainability – develop partnerships to enhance the economic vitality of the community. • Social Sustainability – connect people, places and neighbourhoods. • Cultural Sustainability – support cultural festivals and events that build civic pride, encourage local engagements and attract people to the community. Conclusion The City of St. Catharines has witnessed firsthand the power of sport in uniting our community and inspiring youth. The opportunity to participate in the 2018 Championship will provide many partnership and community development opportunities that are well- aligned to the City’s Strategic Plan creating positive economic and social benefits for the young athletes and the community at large. This event would present the opportunity to showcase the world class facility and the City through national and international media coverage. Should Council approve this report, the endorsement to host the event is not binding at this stage. However, should this bid be successful, a commitment from the host municipality will be required. Notification It is in order to notify Mr. Bram Cotton, Chief Executive Officer, Niagara Sport Commission, 20 Pine Street North, Studio A, Thorold ON L2V 0A1. Prepared and Submitted by: Jennifer Douglas, Business Development and Sport Supervisor Approved by: Phil Cristi, Director Parks, Recreation and Culture Services (Acting) and Brian York, Director Economic Development and Government Relations Report Page 4 of 4 1 MEMORANDUM TO / À: Brian York, City of St. Catharines FROM / DE: Bram Cotton, Niagara Sport Commission DATE: October 18, 2016 SUBJECT/OBJECT: 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship There is currently an opportunity for the Niagara Sport Commission (NSC) and the City of St. Catharines in partnership with Basketball Canada to bid to host the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship. The event would represent a significant showcase opportunity for Niagara, both nationally and internationally. The NSC is proposing that the events be held in the new Meridian Centre in St. Catharines. 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship The 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Men’s Championship would commence June 12 and finish June 16, 2018. Eight teams (made up of 12 competitors) from across North and South America compete over five days. The eight teams are broken into two pools of four where they will play a round-robin format followed by a final quarterfinal, elimination phase. Additional information will be released to municipalities whom submit a letter of intent. Eight International teams Competing in 20 games over five days. Canada has never previously hosted this tournament Estimated attendance of 22,000 paid spectators. National and International exposure on various media platforms Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is responsible for all event expenses. Basketball Canada provides some financial assistance and is a conduit for Sport Canada, and Ontario ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, International sport hosting grant. Coverage of the tournament will consist of webcasting, with level of Television coverage being determined by Basketball Canada