By Tom St. Myer
Fresh off a third consecutive year of successfully hosting the Sun Belt Conference men’s and women’s basketball championships, stakeholders eye a long-term commitment that possibly means investing in the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Sun Belt is committed to playing its basketball conference championships in Pensacola for another two years. Pensacola Sports Association President Ray Palmer said ideally the Sun Belt will agree to extend the contract far beyond 2025.
“We are an arm of the tourism industry,” Palmer said. “One of our missions at Pensacola Sports is to impact the community through the power of sports and the power of sports tourism. This is an event that is the sports tourism arm.”
Sun Belt officials rave about Pensacola as a host city. Its location is ideal for a conference with 14 schools spread across 11 southern states. The lodging and food options only strengthen its appeal.
One hindrance for the city in securing a long-term commitment is the current state of the basketball venue. The antiquated Bay Center is due for a makeover.
“It’s a competitive world and we have others who’d like to host the tournament whose arenas weren’t built in 1984,” Palmer said. “…There are some things to dress it up, clean it up. Neglect has been going on for a number of years to where it’s good enough. We’ve got to get a step up above good enough.”
The Board of County Commission issued a request for proposals from outside firms to conduct a report on the Bay Center. The county is seeking information on which improvements to the facility will provide the best return on investment. Maintenance for air conditioning, plumbing and bathroom upgrades stand out as priorities.
“It’s been talked about for years candidly and it’s time to do something to the Bay Center,” County Commissioner Lumon May said. “With or without the Sun Belt, there are improvements needed for the citizens.”
Palmer said ideally a report will be submitted to the county commissioners that prioritizes the top 20 needs for the facility and how each improvement will benefit the community. The Bay Center hosting the Sun Belt basketball tournaments beyond 2025 and attracting other marquee events are motivating factors for investing in upgrades.
The number of out-of-county visitors for the 2023 tournaments increased as the conference expanded to 14 teams with the additions of James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion and Southern Mississippi. Two institutions without football programs, Arkansas-Little Rock and Texas-Arlington, departed the Sun Belt.
Data is yet to be reported from last week, but based on the previous two years, the Sun Belt tournaments attracted thousands of visitors from outside the Pensacola area, thousands of nights in Pensacola area accommodations and generated millions of dollars in total economic impact.
“When you bring that many teams in with that many parents and fans, it’s a great opportunity to showcase Pensacola,” May said.
Palmer noted the Sun Belt tournaments showcased Pensacola nationally with games broadcast on the ESPN family of networks and covered by media outlets in the 14 communities. The Louisiana men and James Madison women won their respective championships and clinched berths in the upcoming NCAA tournaments.
I interviewed Ray Palmer on WCOA’s “Real News with Rick Outzen” yesterday:
It is sad to see the neglect and not wonder, what if? When the arena plans were announced in 81 or 82, I was over the moon. During it and the Hilton’s construction, I would drive by daily to see progress. One early evening in late ’83 (when 16 ), I decided to squeeze into the gate and trespassed. There was zero intent on damage or theft, only curiosity. I sat on the ground of the “Civic Center” when the seats had not been placed and concrete had not yet been poured. The view was awesome, because the north and south walls were also not complete. Within minutes, I left.
Fast forward 40 years and the neglect is clear. It looks like 1983 was the last time the blue panels on the sides were painted. It looks old, but not ancient. The inside looks good on TV, but a closer look shows the age. Cosmetics and AC overhaul are the first step.
While next steps are being discussed, here are a few ideas:
-What if FDOT had to show WHY the road to nowhere around the Center should stay. The traffic numbers are appalling, no one uses it. Remove thread like the news story states and use it for the East side expansion.
-What if the entire east parking lot were converted into a convention hall with floorspace only and no seating. Pensacon alone warrants this.
-What if the entire west parking lot was a parking garage?
-What if seating on the north end was expanded(not diminished), with the road removed.
-What if Navy Federal payed for the naming rights. Their sponsorship could help funding.
-What if the entire “pizza box” top were a hurricane proof, colorful LED sign that could be seen for miles, during events
-What if larger acts decided to come, because the 2-3000 new seats made a difference.
-What if we could get another 40 years out of this big piece of civic pride?
At the very least, I get to share my ideas with someone. Thanks.