The Bastrop City Council and Bastrop Economic Development Corporation held a joint meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on the growth of sports tourism and the need for enhanced facilities in the region. The meeting highlighted Texas's ranking as the second highest state for sports tourism, trailing only Florida, and noted a significant increase in sports participation, particularly among high school athletes, which surpassed 8 million in 2023.

Key discussions centered around the rapid growth of the Bastrop Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which is now the seventh fastest growing in the country. Stakeholders emphasized that while demand for sports facilities continues to rise, the supply has not kept pace, creating a notable gap in the market. This discrepancy has made it challenging for tournament operators, who often have to utilize multiple venues across a wide area, complicating event logistics.

The meeting featured insights from major sports organizations, including those involved in baseball, softball, and soccer. Representatives from these groups expressed a strong need for additional facilities that can accommodate multiple fields in one location. Currently, tournament operators are forced to use up to 11 different facilities, sometimes spread over 75 miles, which complicates event management and increases the risk of cancellations due to weather conditions affecting grass fields.

In particular, the baseball and softball sectors highlighted the necessity for more turf surfaces to mitigate weather-related disruptions. Similarly, soccer organizations, including the largest youth soccer group in the Austin area, expressed enthusiasm for potential new facilities in Bastrop, which would help consolidate events and enhance participation on the east side of the city.

Indoor sports were also a focal point of the discussions, with basketball and volleyball organizations noting a shortage of facilities with sufficient courts. Operators indicated a preference for venues with at least eight courts under one roof, a standard that is currently unmet in the Greater Austin area.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a phased approach to developing both outdoor and indoor sports facilities to better serve the growing demand and to position Bastrop as a competitive destination for sports tourism. The council plans to explore these recommendations further in upcoming sessions, aiming to address the identified gaps and enhance the region's sports infrastructure.