Bastrop City Council and the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation are taking significant steps to enhance the city’s profile as a sports tourism destination. During their joint meeting on December 3, 2024, council members discussed the development of local sports facilities aimed at attracting visitors from across the country.

The focus is on creating multipurpose sports facilities that can be utilized by the community during the week and serve as a hub for sports tourism on weekends. Insights were drawn from successful facilities in Iowa and Florida, which have effectively drawn teams and visitors from various regions, including the West Coast.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the importance of designing facilities that cater to multiple sports, such as baseball, softball, and soccer. This approach not only maximizes usage but also enhances the potential for hosting regional and national tournaments, thereby boosting local economic activity.

The council emphasized the need for strategic planning and management to ensure that these facilities can attract teams from over 50 miles away, which is crucial for generating tourism revenue. The discussions highlighted the potential for Bastrop to become a prominent player in the sports tourism market, benefiting local businesses and the community at large.

As the city moves forward with these plans, the focus will remain on leveraging sports facilities to elevate Bastrop's profile and stimulate economic growth through increased visitation and tourism-related activities.