#COLUMBUSSPORTS

BEHIND THE SCENES IN
COLUMBUS SPORTS

THE PEOPLE, PROCESSES AND PROGRAMS THAT MAKE COLUMBUS SPORTS HAPPEN

The spotlight is normally reserved for those on the main stage; the athletes that wow us with their skills. The coaches that make winning decisions. The teams that rise above adversity to achieve victory. But there’s so much more that leads up to the magical moments we love.

This summer, we’re turning the spotlight backstage – to highlight the people, processes and programs that make Columbus sports happen. We partnered with NBC4 to tell four behind-the-scenes stories.

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COLUMBUS SPORTS BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO SERIES

BEHIND THE SCENES:
THE COACH

Abby Steiner is one of the fastest women in the world. Her first steps on the track were in Dublin. Hear from her high school track coach Greg King about how she got started.

BEHIND THE SCENES:
THE TRAINER

The best sprinters need a perfect blend of strength and speed. Learn from Abby Steiner’s high school strength coach Dr. Selena Eskinazi-Budge about how she cultivated that speed.

BEHIND THE SCENES:
THE EVENT

Columbus will host the largest fencing event ever this summer. The USA Fencing National Championships feature more than 6,000 fencers and 95 strips (fencing surfaces). Ohio State Buckeyes coach Don Anthony talks about our city’s impact on the sport.

BEHIND THE SCENES:
THE COMMUNITY

Midfielder Aiden Morris is headed to England to continue his career with Middlesborough. Before that, he won two MLS Cups with the Columbus Crew. Before that, he came up through the Crew Academy, staying with a local family through the club’s Homestay Program.

THE ROLE OF THE

SPORTS COMMISSION

Like these people and programs, the Sports Commission lives behind the scenes. We lead the charge to bring and host sporting events to Columbus. We do it for three core reasons:

1) To enhance the image of Columbus
2) To enrich the quality of life for everyone who lives and works here
3) To drive economic and social development through sports

Since we got started in 2002, Columbus has hosted more than 1,100 events that have generated more than $1.5 billion in direct visitor spending. That includes more than 600 new events, responsible for more than $695 million in direct visitor spending.

Learn Our Story.

COLUMBUS SPORTS

BY THE NUMBERS

1,100+

NUMBER OF TOTAL EVENTS HOSTED SINCE 2002

$1.5 BILLION

ESTIMATED DIRECT VISITOR SPEND

46

NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SPORTS HOSTED

10TH

COLUMBUS' RANK ON SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL'S LIST OF BEST HOST CITIES

600+

NEW EVENTS HOSTED SINCE 2002

QuoteIcon-GCSC-0324v1

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is a valuable asset that significantly impacts the economy of Central Ohio through visitor spending. An organization that helps open the doors of Columbus to all types of sporting events and activities, the GCSC provides great opportunities for all to enjoy gifted athletes excel at what they do, while at the same time giving parents of athletes and fans what they need to have a quality experience.”

– Gene Smith, Ohio State University Athletics Director

View Our Event Résumé