Gwinnett County Becoming A Minor League Sports Hub
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Gwinnett County Represents National Trend
Of Minor League Teams In Major League Markets |
Gwinnett County has developed into a "second pro sports market" in Georgia and a "prime player in the national trend of bringing minor league teams into major league markets," according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. Gwinnett is home to the ECHL Gladiators, the AFL Force, the ABA Vision and the Braves' Triple-A affiliate that will relocate from Richmond next year. And more teams might come to the county, as Falcons and Force Owner Arthur Blank is "considering sites in Gwinnett and other metro Atlanta counties for a possible [MLS] franchise." Gladiators President & GM Steve Chapman said that he has "been approached by people wanting to put MLS and indoor lacrosse teams, among other things, in Gwinnett." Tucker notes what is happening in Gwinnett "mirrors what is happening in, among other places, Frisco, Texas," where minor league baseball and hockey teams and an MLS franchise have "set up shop" within the past five years. The trend is "driven by population growth patterns, traffic woes and consumer demand for budget-friendly, kid-friendly entertainment."
No Competition: A county-commissioned feasibility study last year reported that the Braves at first "scoffed at the idea of putting a minor league team so close -- 'due to the assumption the minor league team could materially impact the Braves' ability to draw attendance from Gwinnett County, an area which is integral to the Braves' ongoing viability.'" Minnesota-based consulting firm CSL Int'l, which conducted the study, "helped change the Braves' thinking," as a a poll of Gwinnett residents found 85% thought a minor league team "would not impact their attendance" of Braves games. Braves Exec VP/Business Operations Mike Plant: "If we do this right and cross-promote, we can add value to both of our organizations." Atlanta Spirit Exec VP & CMO Lou DePaoli said of having the Gladiators within close proximity, "I actually think having an additional hockey team in the marketplace is helpful. It's maybe a way for people to get their first taste of hockey. That may spur them to come down and see the big club" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 4/3).
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