Charlotte Regional Sports Commission

The Charlotte Regional Sports Commission is a part of the foundation that eventually merged to form the Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF). The CSF, established in 2013, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at promoting the city of Charlotte through sports-based initiatives.

History

The origins of the Charlotte Sports Foundation can be traced back to the success of hosting the 1994 NCAA Men's Final Four, which inspired civic leaders to develop sports promotion groups in Charlotte. These groups eventually combined to create the Charlotte Sports Foundation.

Mission

The mission of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, which includes the legacy of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission, is to positively impact the economy and quality of life in the Charlotte region by developing large-scale sports events and business opportunities.

Key Events and Economic Impact

The foundation hosts several prominent events, including the Duke's Mayo Bowl, ACC Football Championship Game, Duke's Mayo Classic, Ally Tipoff, and the Savannah Bananas' Banana Ball World Tour. In 2024, CSF events generated an estimated economic impact of $76.8 million and attracted 211,100 fans, resulting in 65,300 hotel room bookings. These events also led to the generation of $2.18 million in taxes within the region.

Leadership and Governance

The Charlotte Sports Foundation is led by a dynamic board of directors, which includes prominent civic and business leaders from Charlotte. As of April 2025, Will Pitts serves as the CEO, succeeding Danny Morrison, who remains as an executive advisor.

Educational and Community Initiatives

The foundation supports the Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award, recognizing a senior football player from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for community involvement and athletic excellence. Additionally, it offers post-graduate internships that provide valuable professional experience and connections within the sports industry.

[1] https://businessnc.com/will-pitts-taking-ceo-post-at-charlotte-sports-foundation/ [2] https://charlottesports.org/about-csf/ [3] https://www.panthers.com/news/charlotte-sports-foundation-and-tepper-sports-entertainment-extend-bank-of-ameri [4] https://biz.opendorse.com/blog/charlotte-sports-foundation-opendorse-announce-first-ever-bowl-game-nil-marketplace/ [5] https://charlottesports.org