SportsTravel

SportsTravel Podcast: Insights and Expert Analysis

Listen to leaders in the sports-event industry dive deep into how they do business

Posted On: May 7, 2024 By : Matt Traub

The SportsTravel Podcast focuses on news, insight, trends and more from some of the top event organizers and destination executives throughout the sports-event industry. With more than 100 episodes over the past three years, the SportsTravel Podcast has become the place to listen to interviews with event organizers of all sizes, destinations ready to host national and international events and many executives within the U.S. Olympic movement. Hosted by SportsTravel’s editorial staff, the podcast can be heard on all your favorite platforms including iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.

Death Diving: The Latest Sport Making a Splash

Posted: May 6, 2024

If you’ve ever seen traditional diving at the Olympic Games or in real life, you know that the cleaner the dive, the better the score.But now Døds Diving or Death Diving if you’re Norwegian isn’t up to speed, has become a legitimate event circuit, hosting world championships since 2008. Leading the charge is Paul Rigault, CEO and co-founder of the Døds Diving League and Døds Federation, and Stine Brun Kjeldaas, the league head of sports and media, and a World Champion, X Games gold medalist and silver medalist in snowboarding at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano. Paul and Stine talk about what it takes to host one of these events, what an ideal host venue looks like, what the atmosphere is like at a Døds competition and why in the world anyone would want to hurl themselves off a high dive platform, spin around on the way down and splash their way to victory.

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Ron Price: Visit Phoenix’s Big Basketball Push

Posted: April 18, 2024

Ron Price has been the chief executive officer of Visit Phoenix since July 2021. Prior to the move to Phoenix, Price had stops in Arlington and San Antonio, Texas, as well as more than a decade with Marriott in several places, including Denver and Southern California. Phoenix has become a basketball hotbed, having hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four in March with the Women’s Final Four on tap for 2026. Phoenix will also host the WNBA All-Star Game this summer and the NBA All-Star Game in 2027. And then there’s always the lingering question of when the region will again host the Super Bowl, which it last did in 2023. There’s a lot going on in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and Ron Price is the man at the center of it.

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Scott DeRue: Expanding Ironman’s Global Reach and Enhancing the Athlete Experience

Posted: April 2, 2024

Scott DeRue was named the new chief executive officer of The Ironman Group in January, joining the organization from Equinox, where he served as president. At Equinox, DeRue oversaw a business that included 107 fitness clubs, a connected fitness platform, a large personal training and coaching practice and digital commerce and media properties. Ironman’s portfolio includes hundreds of events across more than 50 countries in triathlon, running, trail running, road cycling and mountain biking and a suite of digital training platforms and programs for athletes. We discussed with Scott his motivation for taking the job at Ironman, his early work since being hired within the organization, assessing the business, thoughts on the mass participation industry and Ironman’s plans going forward.

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Pickleball and Beyond: The Latest SFIA Sports Participation Trends

Posted: March 14, 2024

You may have heard the stat that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. That’s true, and that stat comes from and is verified by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report, which shows the wildly popular sport up another 50 percent in participation in the past year. We’ll go into why that remains the case, but the pickleball data only scratches the surface of this report. And in an Olympic year when many otherwise obscure sports get their highest visibility, you can expect some interesting things in the year ahead, which we’ll go into as well. Another trend that’s on the rise: team sports. More and more people are participating as a group and loving it. And we’ll go into which team sports they are liking the most. SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove dives into the data to pick out all the trends you need to know.

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Kevin Klipstein: The Long Play for Squash

Posted: February 19, 2024

This year, Kevin Klipstein will celebrate 20 years at the helm of US Squash, the national governing body for the racquet sport that has been steadily growing in participation and membership over that time. While the NGB has seen remarkable success through projects such as a national training center in Philadelphia, and exposure in new markets, the sport itself for years has been seeking a holy grail of sorts. That effort, of course, is a place on the Olympic program. That effort began with a campaign to get into the 2012 Games in London, and in each subsequent Games after that. But for one reason or another — and there were different reasons each time — the sport could never quite clear the hurdle. But when it came time to pitch for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, everything finally lined up perfectly.

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International Case Study: How the Congo River Marathon Promotes Sports Tourism

Posted: February 14, 2024

If you’re familiar with the sports history of the city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it may be as the site of the famed “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. But in recent years, another effort is aiming to attract visitors to the African nation and build a lifelong culture of sport through running. Since they launched the Congo River Marathon, Rolly Kayumba and Nancy Bachmann have been slowly adding to the event’s footprint, and using the opportunity to run along the Congo River and in the city of Kinshasa as a way to develop runners domestically and visitors internationally. This year’s race, which is scheduled for June 2, may be the biggest effort yet.

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Tim Hinchey: Leading USA Swimming Into Paris 2024

Posted: February 7, 2024

USA Swimming is known around the world as one of the powerhouse teams in the sport and this year expectations are high as always ahead of the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris. This year’s Games will be the second for Chief Executive Officer Tim Hinchey but the first in which he does not have to lead the national governing body under pandemic-related conditions. With a high-profile year that includes not only the Olympics but the World Aquatics championships that recently started in Qatar and a host of national level meets around the country, we caught up with Tim recently to discuss how USA Swimming places events around the United States, anticipation for this year’s Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and much more.

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Jason Siegel: A Massive Multi-Sport Weekend in Orlando

Posted: January 30, 2024

The first weekend in February will be an extraordinary one in Orlando, Florida, which hosts the U.S. Olympic Trials for marathon on February 3, followed the next day by the NFL Pro Bowl Games are at Camping World Stadium. We chatted with Jason Siegel, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, about the process in landing the U.S. Olympic Trials for Marathon and the preparation that has gone into planning the event, what the big weekend ahead will be like for locals, the news of renovation funds committed to area venues and more.

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Linda Logan and Jesse Ghirozi: Bringing the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to Columbus

Posted: January 17, 2024

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission will host this year’s U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, the first time the event will be in the Ohio destination. Nationwide Arena will host over 400 athletes, coaches, and officials, plus thousands of fans over the seven-day event. The venue is within walking distance of many hotels and restaurants to ensure a smooth fan experience. It’s a major event to kick off a busy year ahead for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Linda Logan, which will host more than a half-dozen other collegiate and national governing body events in the first six months of the year. We talked with Linda Logan, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, and Jesse Ghiorzi, director of marketing at the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, about planning for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, what it took to win the bid and much more.

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Sam Joffray: Preparing for Las Vegas’ First Super Bowl

Posted: January 11, 2024

Sam Joffray is no stranger to the Super Bowl. He has been to every big game since 1997 in some capacity. Whether it was leading a bid for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation or as a consultant or vendor, Joffray has a wealth of experience when it comes to the NFL’s crown jewel. So when Las Vegas welcomed the Raiders to the city and built world-class Allegiant Stadium four years ago, they needed someone to run point on a Super Bowl bid. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority hired Joffray to be the president and chief executive officer of the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee. Following a successful bid, Sin City will host its first Super Bowl on February 11. Joffray and his team have been hard at work to make sure the event is a success, and are hopeful that Las Vegas can get into the regular rotation of Super Bowl host venues is the coming years.

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2023 Podcast Archives

The Year in Sports-Related Travel and Trends for 2024
Posted: December 20, 2023

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J.C. Poma: How to Build a New Sports Commission
Posted: December 18, 2023

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Scott Hallenbeck: The Rise of Flag Football and USA Football’s Plans for LA28
Posted: December 1, 2023

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Khalid Cannon: A Sports Lifeline for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Posted: November 9, 2023

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Bryce Morgan: The Future of the PPA Tour
Posted: September 21, 2023

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Terry Hasseltine: Building the Maryland Cycling Classic in Baltimore
Posted: August 24, 2023

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EsportsTravel Summit: Why Grassroots Esports Efforts Are Essential
Posted: August 21, 2023

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Wayne Moss: Making Youth Sports Safer
Published: August 15, 2023

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Tim Trefzer: Best Practices for Sustainability in Sports
Published: August 11, 2023

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TEAMS Europe: The Best of 2023
Published: August 8, 2023

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Li Li Leung on USA Gymnastics’ Search for a New Training Center
Published: July 19, 2023

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David Carter: How to Turn Your Sports Bucket List into Reality
Published: July 7, 2023

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Mike McAtee: USA Boxing’s Fight Against the IBA’s Corruption and World Boxing’s Future
Published: June 29, 2023

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Kris Alexander: Video Games, Esports and the Future Events Workforce
Published: June 20, 2023

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Jim Scherr: Growing World Lacrosse and Its Potential Olympic Future
Published: June 14, 2023

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Izell Reese: How RCX Sports Is Expanding Youth Sports Participation
Published: June 9, 2023

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Vlad Marinescu: Esports’ Global Reach, the IESF’s Growth and More
Published: May 25, 2023

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Mandy Gill: Marriott’s NCAA Partnership, NIL and State of Sports-Related Travel
Published: May 2, 2023

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The Honest Scoop About Sports Tourism Salaries and Compensation
Published: April 25, 2023

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From Pickleball to Team Sports: Tom Cove on the Latest in Sports Participation Trends
Published: April 4, 2023

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Janis Burke and Holly Kesterson: Hosting the Men’s Final Four in Houston
Published: March 26, 2023

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Lisa Motley: Bringing the World’s Biggest Sports Events to Las Vegas
Published: March 20, 2023

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Brent Nowicki: The World Aquatics Rebrand and World Championships Pivot
Published: February 27, 2023

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Gary Hernbroth: Sports as Group Travel and How to Motivate Sales Professionals
Published: January 31, 2023

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Bob Dunlop: Two Decades of Organizing Events for U.S. Figure Skating
Published: January 23, 2023

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Mike Pratt and Jim McKenna: Lake Placid’s Rebirth as a Winter Sports Destination
Published: January 6, 2023

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2022 Podcast Archives

A Review and Preview of the Year in Sports-Related Travel
Published: December 20, 2022

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Title IX at 50: The Push Toward Equality
Published: December 14, 2022

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The Evolving Landscape of Youth Sports
Published: December 6, 2022

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Aron McGuire: Driving USA Bobsled & Skeleton Through the Pandemic
Published: November 21, 2022

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Chris Robb: How Cities Can Help the Mass Participation Industry
Published: October 17, 2022

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Wayne Moss: Why Youth Sports Matter
Published: October 3, 2022

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Max Siegel: Growing USA Track & Field Through LA28
Published: September 22, 2022

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Joe Jacobi: Lessons From the River
Published: September 16, 2022

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Mike Nishi: Lessons from the Chicago Marathon
Published: December 20, 2021

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Danny Martin: How Grass-Roots Esports Efforts Will Support Future Events
Published: December 2, 2021

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Erik Moses: Revitalizing Nashville Superspeedway and NASCAR’s Diversity Efforts
Published: December 1, 2021

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Greg Sankey: Expanding the SEC, the College Football Playoff and NCAA Gender Equity
Published: November 2, 2021

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Jim Mercurio: Lessons From Levi’s Stadium on How to Run Events During the Pandemic
Published: October 21, 2021

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Greg Cruse: Riding Surfing’s Wave of Momentum
Published: September 20, 2021

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Fraser Bullock: Salt Lake’s 2002 Olympic Legacy and Hopes for a Future Games
Published: September 15, 2021

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Ross Young: Bringing USA Rugby Out of Bankruptcy and Ready to Bid for World Cups
Published: July 28, 2021

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Larry Olmsted: How Fans Unite Communities and Make the Case for Why Sports Matter
Published: July 19, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Naples, Marco Island CVB

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Cal Ripken Jr. and Mike Kenney: Growing the Brand at Ripken Baseball
Published: July 12, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Maryland Sports Commission

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Scott O’Neil: His Time at Harris Blitzer, A New Book and Perspective on the Sports Industry
Published: July 8, 2021

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Jimmy Johnson: Fishing, Football and Fox NFL Sunday
Published: June 28, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission

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Bryan Karns: Preparing for the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club
Published: June 21, 2021

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Helen Maroulis: The Inspiring Olympics Comeback Story of a Wrestling Pioneer
Published: June 16, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center

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Allyson Felix: The Drive for Five Olympic Games
Published: June 7, 2021

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Tim Schneider: Roots of a Travel Powerhouse: How Sports and Esports Move People
Published: May 28, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Melissa Stockwell: Preparing for a Most Unusual Paralympics
Published: May 18, 2021

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Elena Delle Donne: Preparing for the 2021 WNBA Season and Olympic Summer Games
Published: May 10, 2021

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Leigh Steinberg: The Evolution of Agents, NFL Events and Athlete Marketing
Published: April 26, 2021

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Dan Ghosh-Roy: Preparing for the PFL’s Atlantic City Bubble
Published: April 22, 2021

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Dale Murphy: On Baseball, Sports-Event Security and Marketing Today’s Stars
Published: April 12, 2021

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Bruce Rosenberg: Why HotelPlanner is Bullish on Sports-Related Travel
Published: March 17, 2021

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Antron Brown and Leah Pruett: Life in the Fast Lane as NHRA Drivers
Published: March 11, 2021

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Jenny Carnes and Lynn Holzman: How the NCAA Will Host the Women’s Basketball Tournament in San Antonio
Published: February 26, 2021

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Dan Gavitt: Planning the NCAA Men’s Tournament in Indianapolis
Published: February 22, 2021

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Amanda Kraus: Changing the Face of Rowing
Published: February 8, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Columbia SC Sports

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Michael D’hulst: How Super League Triathlon is Innovating the Sport
Published: January 15, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Tempe Tourism

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Rob Higgins: Inside Tampa Bay’s Plans for Hosting Super Bowl LV
Published: January 13, 2021

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2020 Podcast Archives

Nicole Pike: The Latest Research on Esports-Related Travel
Published: December 15, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance

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Nick Carparelli: What to Expect from the 2020 Bowl Season
Published: November 11, 2020

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David Baker: Twice the Fun in ’21 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Published: September 15, 2020

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Al Kidd and Jennifer Stoll: The $45 Billion Case for Sports-Related Travel
Published: September 8, 2020

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Carlos Silva: How World TeamTennis Held a Season with Fans in the Stands
Published: August 18, 2020

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Lisa Baird: Staging a Monthlong Tournament During a Pandemic
Published: July 31, 2020

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Steve Stenersen: How US Lacrosse is Approaching Return to Play
Published: July 10, 2020

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Melvin Tennant: A Discussion on Race and Diversity in the Travel Industry
Published: June 18, 2020

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Glenn Merry: A New Voice for Adaptive Sports
Published: June 10, 2020

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Peter O’Reilly: How the NFL Pulled Off a Virtual Draft
Published: May 27, 2020

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Dev Pathik and Jason Clement: Signs of Hope for the Youth Sports Market
Published: April 23, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Molly Arbogast: What Sports Sponsorship Should Look Like Now
Published: April 16, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission

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Rich Harshbarger: The Challenges Ahead for Running and Mass Participation Events
Published: April 9, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Matt Farrell: Alternative Golf and the Spectacle of World Long Drive
Published: March 26, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Colie Edison: Why the Leader in Recreational Bowling Bought the PBA Tour
Published: March 13, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Jason Parker: How Technology is Changing Amateur Sports Events
Published: February 21, 2020

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Phil Andrews: How USA Weightlifting is Preparing for Tokyo and Beyond
Published: January 29, 2020

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2019 Podcast Archives

Frank Supovitz: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Published: December 19, 2019

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Ju’Riese Colón: The Challenges Ahead for the U.S. Center for SafeSport
Published: October 29, 2019

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Kyle McLaughlin: How Tough Mudder Has Survived the Obstacle Course Race Market
Published: September 27, 2019

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Alex Hertel: The Future of the Spectator Experience
Published: September 4, 2019

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John David: How BMX Has Become One of the Fastest-Growing Sports
Published: July 23, 2019

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YuChiang Cheng: Why Topgolf is Investing in Esports
Published: June 19, 2019

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Amanda Duffy: The Growth of the National Women’s Soccer League
Published: May 28, 2019

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Michael Capiraso: Lessons From the New York City Marathon
Published: April 25, 2019

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Oliver Luck: An Inside Look at the XFL
Published: March 5, 2019

Posted in: Main Feature