02/04/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Club to reconstruct the field and the impact of future track and field events on the community. e Mayor Obie said motel and restraurant owners say track and field events bring more money into the community than any other destination activity. He said the events involve hundreds of people and last several days. Ms. Ehrman and Mr. Holmer asked what the motel and restaurant industry does to promote track and field events and to reconstruct Hayward Field. Mayor Obie responded that the motel and restaurant industry supports the Convention and Vi s itors Bureau. Responding to a question from Mayor Obie, Ms. Schue discussed how Indianapolis, Indiana, developed athletic facilities and a program for attracting athletic events. Mr. Rutan said some people say that Indianapolis is now the track capital of the world. He said he does not doubt that the local community should be involved in destination point activities but he wonders if the City should be involved in them. He said he is concerned about duplication and the lack of cooperation with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said he is concerned about the renovation of Hayward Field because track and field is extremely important to the community. He wondered if the City should concentrate on one or two special events. Ms. Ehrman said she heard a presentation indicating the City does not duplicate the activities of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. e Mr. Holmer said University of Oregon officials have not clarified their priorities for destination point activities. Mayor Obie agreed with Mr. Holmer and said the renovation of Hayward Field will not have as great an impact on the University as it will have on the community. He said the athletic events and cultural events such as the Bach Festival have a great effect on the Eugene lifestyle. Mr. Bennett wondered about the timing of destination point events. Mayor Obie discussed the tremendous financial impact of University of Oregon students on the community and wondered if they could be replaced in the summer months with people from the southwest. Ms. Wooten said the destination point activities issue concerns the City's role in recruiting summer visitors and audiences at the Hult Center as well as marketing and organizing special events. Ms. Ehrman said the City is involved in marketing because Eugene gets many conventions as a result of special events such as the Bach Festival and Eugene Celebration. She wondered how much City effort should be spent on those events. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Februa ry 4, 1987 Page 12