Texas Baseball Complex Scores Big Partnership

James’ Take:

This is another example of a complex being built or proposed in a region that already has one of the major sports tourism tentpoles accounted for.

In this case: Roanoke’s official city slogan is “The Unique Dining Capital of Texas” due to its bevy of restaurants.

Many cities and towns look to youth sports to serve as economic engines for ambitious multi-use districts — perhaps too ambitious in many cases.

But this complex, which is being privately built, is more similar to recent proposals like those in Branson, Missouri, and Rapid City, South Dakota— it gets to lean into existing infrastructure rather than be asked to create it.

James’ Take:

The president’s announcement was not unexpected, as the concept for Patriot Games had been previously reported.

What is a bit surprising is the lack of information on what the event will look like and how it will work.

We have many questions about logistics.

It is hard to envision high school baseball and softball teams criss-crossing the country in March Madness-style bracket competition.

An Olympics-like event that emphasizes individual competitions with limited-to-no team sports seems more likely.

There are already national-level events in track and field and sports like wrestling. And that also accounts for the various state-to-state academic calendar differences.

Our gut tells us this will either be wildly successful or a colossal flop with no in-between.

No word on whether the UFC card at the White House will be tied to Patriot Games.

This collaboration will enable EM Speed and Power to scale operations, enhance its athlete development and academy programs, and invest in advanced sports performance technologies. It will also support EM’s continued efforts to provide a neutral, inclusive training environment for athletes of all backgrounds.

EM will maintain its flexible schooling program by working closely with local school districts, offering alternatives to traditional education to help student-athletes excel both academically and athletically.

The partnership will also launch new scholarship initiatives, community outreach programs and enhancements to EM’s coaching staff. Each is designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for youth in underserved communities.

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