Annual report
Mission Provide oversight to world-class, professional sports venues and promote the region for sports-related events, which enhance economic development and bring better quality of life to residents.
Table of contents By the Numbers Page 04
Venues Page 06
Awards and Honors Page 10
2018 Events Page 11
Events Secured in 2018 Page 31
2019 and Beyond Page 45
Humanitarian Page 46
Board of Directors Page 48
The Team Page 50
Volunteers Page 52
Thank You Page 55
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Letter from the chairman and CEO Dear Friends of the Sports Authority, Thank you! Yes, thank you to our Board of Directors who generously give of their time and talent to direct and support the organization and its goals. Thank you to the dedicated staff who embodies innovation, creative thinking, and consistently wins bids over other cities to host wildly successful sporting events in our community. Thank you to the many volunteers who log in thousands of hours, every year, to help us host visitors, and the numerous corporate and community partners, as well as elected officials, who can always be counted on to step up to support our endeavors in a big way. Why begin our annual report with a thank you? It's simple. Every success we achieved in 2018 is just a reflection of the teamwork it takes to continually put Harris County and Houston on the map as one of the best sports destinations in the world. This past year has been a positive and eventful one for our organization as we worked with the Houston Astros, who showcased their ultimate commitment to the community by extending their lease agreement by 20 years to 2050, while also making a post-season run towards another World Series. We introduced the first annual Houston Sports Awards and Hall of Fame, inducting three legendary 34s ... Earl Campbell, Nolan Ryan, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Our staff hosted a variety of events, including golf, soccer, and rugby ... where the USA Eagles made history at BBVA Compass Stadium as they beat Scotland, a Tier 1 nation, for the first-time ever. Then there were the big announcements, such as securing a spot in the final bid submission to FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, 2023 NCAA Men's Final Four, 2024 College Football Playoffs, unveiling the 2020 U. S. Women's Open logo, 2022 U. S. Bowling Congress Open Championships, and being selected as home to a new XFL franchise. Last, but not least, there were the numerous projects ... a new rugby stadium and the creation of an international BMX training facility, which will be the largest in the world and has been given the rights to host two national competitions and one world championship before ever opening the doors. We have enjoyed great successes, but believe the best is yet to come. So, we will end with how we began this note. Thank you for placing your confidence and trust in us, as together, we have built a tremendous sports town with a future that has never been brighter. Sincerely,
J. Kent Friedman Janis Schmees Burke, CSEE Chairman of the Board CEO
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by the numbers 2018 revenues Hotel Occupancy Tax $32,175,684 Motor Vehicle Rental Tax $25,971,010 NRG Stadium - Parking and Sales Tax $10,060,135 Total Rent $15,497,500 Non-Tax $7,567,835 Interest $2,305,097
interest non-tax CHART TITLE 2% 8%
rent 17%
Motor Vehicle Rental 28%
NRG Stadium - Parking and Sales 11% Hotel Occupancy 34%
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by the numbers RAISED
$247,000 For charities
$125 MILLION+
ECONOMIC IMPACT
31,033 VOLUNTEERS
From Non-Seasonal Events
2,300+
$900 MILLION
Projected ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR EVENTS AWARDED IN 2018
2,296 game tickets Donated to 92
Different community groups charities and non-profits
Youth Engaged
325,000+ ATTENDEES & PARTICIPANTS Non-Seasonal Events
interns from
7 universities Page 5
Venues Page 6
Houston Astros Extend lease
july 9, 2018
This year the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority Board of Directors voted to approve an extension of the Astros lease at Minute Maid Park through 2050. The home for the MLB Houston Astros since 2000, the original lease agreement was set to expire in March of 2030. “The Sports Authority’s Board of Directors has worked very hard to be a good landlord to the team, as well as to protect the community’s investment and ensure that the stadium remains state-of-the-art,” said Sports Authority Chairman, J. Kent Friedman. “The venue has been a great addition to the downtown landscape for fans and players alike. The Sports Authority is proud to support our reigning World Champions, and this lease extension furthers the commitment to maintaining Minute Maid Park for many years to come.” The details of the lease extension include a rent increase in the amount of $1 million beginning this year through the remainder of the original lease (through 2030), and an additional $1 million increase for the 20-year extension (through 2050). The majority of these funds will be directed towards maintenance and capital repairs at Minute Maid Park.
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aveva stadium ground breaking
july 24, 2018
The Houston SaberCats are building AVEVA Stadium at the Houston Sports Park as a public-private partnership between the City of Houston and the SaberCats Rugby. When completed in the spring of 2019, AVEVA stadium will have an initial capacity of 4,000, but capable of expansion to 8,000, with bars, concessions, VIP areas and a natural grass surface measuring 144 meters by 84 meters, plus two full-sized practice fields. In addition to rugby, AVEVA is suitable for football, soccer, lacrosse and concerts.
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North Houston Bike Park
Opening 2019
The North Houston Bike Park, a one-of-a-kind 20-acre facility under construction on the north side of town, features a BMX-sanctioned race track, BMX freestyle amenities, street courses and mountain bike trails. The facility opens in the summer of 2019 and will host the 2019 USA BMX Nationals, 2020 USA BMX Nationals and 2020 UCI BMX World Championships. The facility opens endless opportunities. In addition to attracting more unique events, the park will also give the community a place to experience the growing sport.
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awards and honors CSEE Certification Chris Massey, Vice President
NASC Game CHanger of the Year Holly Kesterson, Director of Events
nasc marketing campaign of the year Houston Sports Awards
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2018 EVENTS Page 11
HOUSTON SPORTS AWARDS
FEBRUARY 8, 2018 HILTON AMERICAS
It was glitzy, glittery, show-stopping and head-turning. Everywhere you looked there was a Hall of Famer or a budding superstar. There were two Heisman Trophy winners in the house and three World Championship teams represented. There were high school stars, fans that set the standard for team loyalty, and coaches, general managers and owners who shape their teams’ futures. There was something for each of the more than 1,000 who turned out for the inaugural Houston Sports Awards at the Hilton Americas. From the dual red and blue carpets at the entrance to the exclamation point finish in the form of the announcement of the creation of the Houston Sports Hall of Fame and the inaugural class, the event was every bit an ESPY-like moment. The event itself was a labor love and the culmination of a vision that had been bouncing around HCHSA CEO Janis Burke’s mind for a decade. The venue had to shift from the Wortham Center to the Hilton after Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters ravaged the Wortham, but the HCHSA team didn’t skip a beat. Houston’s 34s – Earl Campbell, Hakeem Olajuwon and Nolan Ryan – all came to be honored – first as the stars of the night, then as the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class. Then Houston’s professional teams – the Astros, Rockets, Texans and Dynamo – all jumped on board and . . . just like that, a sold-out ballroom translated into an instant hit.
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“. . . The hope is that in 50 years, this is still the premier event of the year; that it becomes a tradition and part of the fabric of the community.’’ —Janis Burke
In addition to the 34s, three Legacy Awards went to Texans defensive end and Walter Payton Man of the Year, J.J. Watt (Sportsmanship Award); Astros General Manager, Jeff Luhnow (Executive of the Year); and former Rockets owner, Les Alexander (Lifetime Achievement Award). The World Champion Astros dominated the other categories with A.J. Hinch winning Coach of the Year, second baseman, Jose Altuve, winning Athlete of the Year, the World Series named Event of the Year, and Game 5 of the Series named the Moment of the Year. Other awards went to University of Houston defensive lineman, Ed Oliver (College Athlete of the Year); St. Pius quarterback, Grant Gunnell (High School Athlete of the Year); and Carson Riley (Fan of the Year). Houston natives and Houston Rockets broadcasters Bill Worrell and Clyde Drexler, Houston Texans broadcasters Marc Vandermeer and Andre Ware, and Astros broadcasters Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum, were among those handling the hosting duties during the night. Performers included Houston’s R.L. Bell, and country western, Emmy-award winning star, Steve Wariner, who sang “Life’s Highway” for Ryan. In addition to individual paintings of Campbell, Olajuwon and Ryan by renowned artist, Opie Otterstad, the night ended with the announcement those three would be the first inductees of a new Houston Sports Hall of Fame. “The goal was, and still is, that it’s such a premier event, it’s hard to get your hands on a ticket,’’ Burke said. “Our idea isn’t to grow it into a 5,000-person event. Our idea is it’s always going to be small, intimate, and it’s hard to get your hands on a ticket.”
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olympian welcome
March 21, 2018
Houston was well represented in the 2018 Winter Olympics. HCHSA celebrated the historic achievements of Nigeria’s Olympic Women’s Bobsled Team, who trained at the University of Houston, and the U.S. Men’s Bobsled team athlete, Houstonian, Sam McGuffie. The Houston trio of Nigerian bobsledders, all former track and field athletes, did not bring home a medal, but they won the hearts of millions and made history by becoming the first Olympic bobsled team to represent an African nation. Sam McGuffie, the former Cy-Fair High School and Rice University football player, competed as a push crewman on the four-man bobsled team and as the brakeman on the two-man bobsled team. The four-man team led the USA to a ninth-place finish.
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ncaa DII Women’s Golf Championships
May 16-19, 2018 Bay oakS Country club
Houston expanded its golf footprint in 2018 by hosting the NCAA Division II Golf Championships at Bay Oaks Country Club last spring. The DII event, held here for the first time, brought together the division’s top 72 golfers and top 12 teams for the four-day, 72-hole event. The University of Indianapolis dominated the championship, shooting a team score of 5-over-par to win its second national title in two years, this one by 38 shots over California Baptist. UI’s Katahrina Keilich won medalist honors.
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243
volunteer shifts
$425,000
Economic Impact
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houston sports hall of fame
june 4, 2018 DownTown
34
It is rare when you can wow a legend, but that’s what HCHSA did in June at the unveiling of the first phase of the new Houston Sports Hall of Fame.
Houston’s 34s – Earl Campbell, Hakeem Olajuwon and Nolan Ryan – were the inaugural Hall of Fame class. In June 2018, Campbell and Olajuwon were there for the ring ceremony and the unveiling of the Walk of Fame. Reid Ryan, president of the Houston Astros, stepped in for his father. It was an eye-popping moment when they opened their boxes and saw their stunning HOF rings, which were created by Diamond Cutters International. The rings featured the No. 34 in their team colors -- Columbia Blue for Campbell, Rocket Red for Olajuwon and Astros Orange for Ryan. Those three also unveiled the 36-inch square cast bronze plaques with acrylic signatures, which will anchor the Walk of Fame at the GreenStreet Promenade next to The House of Blues.
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“This is something all of Houston will celebrate and is long overdue. So many great athletes have come from here and have played here, and to celebrate and honor them with a Hall of Fame is something bigger than all of us, and will outlast us all.” — Patti Smith
In December, HCHSA announced the second Hall of Fame Class – race car driver, A.J. Foyt; World Golf Hall of Famer, Jack Burke, Jr.; two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medalist, George Foreman; and the Oilers’ Luv Ya Blue quarterback, Dan Pastorini. Hall of Famers will also receive custom-tailored jackets by Knot Standard. The Hall, created by HCHSA in partnership with Midway and Lionstone, is a long-overdue addition to Houston and the city’s incredibly rich sports legacy, which spans more than eight decades. The Hall was designed to honor those larger-than-life legends and characters, Olympic athletes and iconic teams and moments so they will live on long after all of us are gone. The city has been home to everyone from our 34s to Foyt, Burke, the late Jimmy Demaret; Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware; Pro Football Hall of Famers Elvin Bethea, Curley Culp, Robert Brazile, Warren Moon, Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak; and Olympians Simone Biles, Mary Lou Retton, Carl Lewis and Zina Garrison, just to name a few. Fans rallied around the Oilers (both the original AFL team and those Luv Ya Blue teams from the late 1970s-early 1980s), University of Houston’s Phi Slama Jama teams, the 2017 World Champion Houston Astros, 1994-1995 World Champion Rockets and Southwest Conference champions, Rice University and the University of Houston. Future phases call for multiple state-of-the-art LED video displays and interactive experiences. The project will culminate with the indoor Hall of Fame, which will be housed in an interior space. The three 8-foot paintings of Campbell, Olajuwon and Ryan, by well-known Houston sports artist, Opie Otterstad, were unveiled at the Houston Sports Awards, and will be the first exhibit to hang in the Hall of Fame.
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united bid committee
june 13, 2018
In June of 2018, Houston and Harris County were thrilled to be one of the 17 finalists announced as a potential American host city for the 2026 World Cup. The United Bid Committee, comprised of the soccer federations of Mexico, Canada and the United States, was awarded the 2026 World Cup by FIFA in a competitive bid over Morocco. This announcement was made immediately before the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Becoming a finalist city was a direct result of the great work done by many in the Houston and Harris County region. These partners include NRG Park, the Houston Texans and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, as well as the city leaders who supported this bid. Originally, there were 50 U.S. cities invited to bid for the host city designation. That list was reduced to 32 cities, which were then brought to Houston in November of 2017 for a bid review with the United Bid Committee. During the next 24 months, FIFA will determine which cities become one of the ten finalist host cities. Each host city is projected to have six World Cup matches over the 30-day World Cup period in 2026. Houston’s bid will be led by Chris Canetti, former president of the Houston Dynamo, under the leadership of HCHSA CEO, Janis Burke.
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USA: 30 Scotland: 29 Page 24
USA RUGBY VS. SCOTLAND
june 16, 2018 bbva compass Stadium
On June 16, the Men’s Eagles traveled to Houston for a weighted matchup with Scotland, then seeded number six in the World Rugby rankings. The United States has become very familiar with BBVA Compass Stadium, home to the Houston Dynamo and Dash, as they returned for the first time since a 2016 draw with Argentina XV during the Americas Rugby Championship. This marked the fifth time the Men’s Eagles have played at BBVA Compass Stadium and this time, the team astounded the world. For the first time in 94 years -- since their victory over France in the 1924 Olympic Games -- the United States defeated a Tier 1 Nation. In a thriller at BBVA Compass Stadium, the Men’s Eagles held an unparalleled defensive front to seal a 30-29 win over number six world-ranked Scotland. Though the Scottish nailed a try in the final minute, the conversion was missed and the U.S. sailed away with the victory.
13,500+ attendees
$1 million Economic Impact
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olympic day
June 23, 2018 Moody Park
The Olympians that made the event possible: Baseball John Cotton – 2000 Olympics, Gold, USA Bobsled Seun Adigun – 2018 Olympics, Nigeria Sam McGuffie – 2018 Olympics, USA Boxing Frank Tate – 1984 Olympics, Gold, USA Gymnastics Sean Townsend – 2000 Olympics, USA Taekwondo Nia Abdallah – 2004 Olympics, Silver, USA Tennis Zina Garrison – 1988 Olympics, Bronze & Gold, USA Track and Field Eric Thomas – 2000 Olympics, USA Seun Adigun – 2012 Olympics, USA Michelle Burrell – 1992 Olympics, Gold, USA Karen Hawkins – 1980 Olympics, USA Floyd Heard – 2000 Olympics, USA Jamele Mason – 2012 Olympics, Puerto Rico Errol Nolan – 2012 Olympics, Jamaica Jackie Washington – 1984 Olympics, USA
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The spirit of the Olympic movement was celebrated in Houston as HCHSA hosted Olympic Day, June 23 at Moody Community Center. The event featured the Houston Olympian & Paralympian Association’s Olympians teaching over 250 at-risk children how to play seven different sports. The sports included tennis, baseball, track and field, taekwondo, boxing, gymnastics, and bobsled. The event is designed to engage youth and promote the ideals of the Olympic movement. The day featured athlete appearances, lunch provided by Papa John’s Pizza, interactive learning experiences, autograph sessions, and a live Q&A session with the Olympians presented by Woodforest Bank. Around the world, more than 160 countries take part in Olympic Day celebrations. Olympic Day was created in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games and focuses on the Olympic values and ideals such as fair play, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship. HCHSA has been hosting an Olympic Day celebration annually since 2011.
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gateway to gold
October 6, 2018 Turner Stadium
On October 6, 2018, HCHSA, in conjunction with U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, hosted Gateway to Gold, a free talent identification event. The event was held at Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas. The Gateway to Gold talent identification event introduced 21 individuals with Paralympic impairments to the Paralympic sports of track and field and wheelchair tennis with the goal of identifying hopefuls for future U.S. Paralympic Teams. As a part of the free clinic, prospective athletes were tested on a variety of skills that can help determine their aptitude for Paralympic sport.
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The event featured four Paralympic coaches, including three-time U.S. Paralympian, Scot Severn; Paralympic coach, Wendy Gumbert; six-time Mexico Paralympian, Saul Mendoza; and two- time Paralympian, Karin Korb; who coached the sports sessions, answered questions, and shared information about elite training, competition and the Paralympic Movement. Participants also learned more about adaptive programs, such as those at TIRR Memorial Hermann. As a Paralympic Sports Club, TIRR Memorial Hermann offers a robust adaptive sports program and is perfectly matched with HCHSA’s goals to grow adaptive sports in the community.
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EVENTS SECURED IN 2018
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world Transplant Games
Announced june 27, 2018
It is an inspirational event like no other and it’s coming to Houston in the spring of 2021. In June, the World Transplant Games Federation unanimously awarded the 2021 World Transplant Games to Houston. The international multi-sport festival will bring together organ, tissue and bone marrow transplant recipients, as well as living donors and donor families in the U.S., for the first time in 41 years. New York hosted the third-ever games in 1980. Houston hosted the 2014 U.S. Transplant Games and one of the initiatives was to promote donor awareness, because without donors, there are no transplants. “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2021 World Transplant Games as it returns to America,’’ HCHSA Director of Events, Holly Kesterson, said. “Houston has one of the premier transplant programs in the world and the hospitals within the Texas Medical Center were great partners with us when we hosted the Transplant Games of America, so we look forward to working closely with them again.” Texas had about four million people on the donor registry, but the 2014 initiative pushed the total past eight million. Today, over 11 million are on the Texas donor registry, with 114,253 people on the transplant waiting list. Some of those on today’s waiting list will be competing in Houston in 2021 and helping continue to promote donor awareness.
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NCAA Men’s Final Four
Announced July 16, 2018
In April of 2023, Houston and Harris County will again host the NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball tournament at NRG Park for the third time since 2011. No other market in the country has hosted more Final Fours in that same period of time. The award for the 2023 Final Four was announced by the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee in July of 2018 after a lengthy, twoyear bid process. The NCAA cited Houston’s growing and vibrant downtown footprint as a key factor in their decision, along with their familiarity and affinity for NRG Park. Houston will be the first market in the country to have four Division I Institutions as co-hosts of the weekend with University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University and Houston Baptist University serving in that capacity.
3 WIN!
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gold cup
Announced ocTober 9, 2018
Two Houston venues -- NRG Stadium and BBVA Compass Stadium -- will host the 2019 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, or CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. Houston was selected based on a long history of hosting international soccer events supported by an experienced local organizing committee with a very successful track record. “We are a major sports destination with the best fans in the nation,” said HCHSA Vice President, Chris Massey. “The fact that we have two fabulous venues capable of successfully hosting a Gold Cup match is a true testament to how special our community has become in the global sports realm.” The Gold Cup is the official national team championship of the region and takes place every two years. In 2019, 16 teams will be included and 15 venues will host matches. BBVA Compass Stadium has been a part of every Gold Cup since the facility opened in 2012. The home of the Houston Dynamo has hosted a match in four consecutive tournaments.
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us open
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U.S. Women’s Open
Logo Unveiled november 16, 2018
The most prestigious event in women’s golf is coming to Houston in 12 months. The 2020 U.S. Women’s Open – the hardest week in women’s golf and the toughest test – will be held at Houston’s iconic Champions Golf Club June 4-7, 2020. The best women golfers in the world will tee it up on the renovated Cypress Creek Course, which hosted the 1967 Ryder Cup, five PGA TOUR Championships, the 1998 and 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships and the Houston International, which would become the Houston Open, for six years in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The course, known for its classic layout and large greens, underwent an extensive greens and bunker restoration in 2018 and USGA Director of Championships, Matt Sawicki, said Champions will provide the ultimate test. “The greens project will make it incredibly difficult,’’ he said, “but incredibly fair.’’ The Women’s Open is the most-watched women’s sporting event in the world behind the Women’s World Cup, and is a week-long celebration of women’s golf and women’s sports. The last highprofile women’s professional golf event held in Houston was the 2009 LPGA Tour Championship at The Houstonian Golf and Country Club. “One of the things we love to do is look for events that bring not only economic impact, but prestige and marketing value to our city and county,’’ said HCHSA CEO, Janis Burke. “And there isn’t a better place to do it than Champions Golf Club.”
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XFL
Announced december 5, 2018
Are you ready for some more football? The XFL is back and Houston is one of eight cities that will host a team. Vince McMahon, owner of WWE, is rolling out a new version of the professional league he first launched in 2001. The newly envisioned XFL, with former HCHSA CEO and Houston Oilers quarterback, Oliver Luck, at the helm, starts play in the spring of 2020. Houston’s as-yet-unnamed team will play at the University of Houston’s TDECU Stadium. The eight-team league is positioned in cities around the country, and Houston, with its love of football and reputation as a sports and sports events city, made it an easy choice as a launch city.
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photo
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2019 and beyond Date
Location
Event
February 6, 2019 March 26, 2019 May 14 - 17, 2019 June 25, 2019 June 21, 2019 June 29, 2019 July 23 - 28, 2019 September 1, 2019 October 25 - 27, 2019 November 2019 December 2019 February 2020 March 6 - 8, 2020 March 27 - 29, 2020 May 26 - 31, 2020 June 4 - 7, 2020 April 2021 May 29 - June 5, 2021 July 28 - August 7, 2021 May 2022 March - July, 2022
Hilton Americas BBVA Compass Stadium Bay Oaks Country Club Greenstreet BBVA Compass Stadium NRG Stadium University of Houston NRG Stadium North Houston Bike Park TBD NRG Stadium Hilton North Houston Bike Park Toyota Center North Houston Bike Park Champions Golf Club Toyota Center/George R. Brown University of Houston Various Locations Bay Oaks Country Club North Houston
April 2023 January 8, 2024 June-July 2026 July 17 - August 1, 2026
NRG Stadium NRG Stadium NRG Stadium Various Locations
Houston Sports Awards US Men’s National Team vs. Chile NCAA DIII Women’s Golf Walk of Fame Inductions CONCACAF Gold Cup CONCACAF Gold Cup NCAA Youth Development Basketball Camp Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands USA BMX Nationals Gateway to Gold Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl Houston Sports Awards BMX Nationals & World Championships NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Regionals UCI BMX World Championships U.S. Women’s Open 2021 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships World Transplant Games AAU Junior Olympic Games NCAA DIII Women’s Golf U.S. Bowling Congress — Open Championships NCAA Men’s Final Four College Football Playoff 2026 FIFA World Cup AAU Junior Olympic Games
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humanitarian efforts In 2018, HCHSA raised money for ALS Research through the USA vs. Scotland rugby match and proclaimed match day ALS Awareness Day, the first in BBVA Compass Stadium history. Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation was the beneficiary.
Through the NCAA Division II Golf Championship, HCHSA hosted a child from the Make a Wish Foundation at the team reception where she was able to meet Olympian, Seun Adigun.
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humanitarian efforts
In partnership with USA Rugby and the Houston SaberCats, HCHSA made a stop at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers to visit with children undergoing treatment. The children in the outpatient clinic spent the afternoon working on rugby-themed arts & crafts projects and got a chance to meet the rubgy teams. The Periwinkle Arts in Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers provides fun and educational children’s art projects to encourage the development of coping skills in children with cancer and blood disorders. Additionally, the program exposes children and teens to art in both the inpatient and outpatient clinical settings.
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board of directors 2018 Board of Directors J. Kent Friedman, Chairman of the Board Willie J. Alexander Joseph Alan Callier Lawrence R. Catuzzi Cindy Clifford Jess Fields Ron Franklin Manson B. Johnson Dr. Laura Murillo Bruce D. Oakley Matthew Rogers, Jr. Tom Sprague Robert Woods
2019 Board of Directors J. Kent Friedman, Chairman of the Board Willie J. Alexander Joseph Alan Callier Lawrence R. Catuzzi Cindy Clifford Jess Fields Zina Garrison Martye Kendrick Dr. Laura Murillo Bruce D. Oakley Tom Sprague Robert Woods
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our team Administration Janis Burke, CEO Doug Hall, Vice President - Special Projects Patti Smith, Vice President - Public Relations Edie Jeanes, Administrative Manager & Executive Assistant to the CEO Athena Kosich, Event Trust Funds Coordinator Monica Nieves, Administrative Assistant
Finance Tom Waggoner, Chief Financial Officer Phil Ochoa, Director of Investments & Debt Management Anai Rodriguez, Accounting Clerk
Events Chris Canetti, President, 2026 Houston World Cup Bid Committee Chris Massey, Vice President Holly Kesterson, Director of Events Kaelum Messer - Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager Meredith Pardue, Athlete Affairs & Accommodations Manager Mahoghani Johnson, Event Sales Coordinator
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volunteers
In 2018, 375 Harris County – Houston Sports Authority volunteers dedicated a total of 2,651.25 hours during 12 events. These volunteers completed 662 shifts, averaging an 84% attendance rate. We are proud to have such a diverse team of volunteers!
Who Are Our Volunteers?
teachers, students, business professionals, retirees and many other amazing people share their time with us.
ages ranging from 11 -78
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2,651.25 hours volunteered
knowledgeable in 50 sports
38 languages spoken
thank you!
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Thank you! We at the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, would like to thank our Board Members, Community Partners, Corporate Partners, Volunteers and all of our supporters for their dedication to our efforts and vision. Through your generous support, we have been able to fulfill our mission by bringing some amazing international and national sports events to the area, creating the Houston Sports Awards and Houston Sports Hall of Fame, and enhancing the lives of the community through sports. We’re just getting started. Coming up, Houston will host the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2021 World Transplant Games, the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four and 2024 College Football Playoff – just to name a few things – as well as our annual events like Olympic Day and Gateway to Gold. Stay tuned! #WeAreHoustonSports
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Partnership tower 701 avenida de las Americas, suite 450 Houston, Texas 77010 713 - 308 - 5910 www.HoustonSports.org
#WEAREHOUSTONSPORTS