RSCVA targets additional sporting events

The ESPN Great Outdoor Games is like the gift that keeps on giving - even before it's been unwrapped.

The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority announced last December that the games would be coming to Reno this July.

The contract was a coup for the RSCVA and the city because it brings with it over 40 hours of television coverage for the area and potentially 100,000 visitors.

Now, it looks like it's also helping the tourism center attract similar events.

"Now that we have the ESPN games it has given us a lot more credibility," said Deanna Ashby, executive director of marketing at the RSCVA.

The RSCVA is close to closing deals for four other sporting/adventure events and is still working on getting three others.

Six of the events would take place in 2003 and the seventh is scheduled for 2004, according to Ashby.

The events would all bring additional TV exposure for northern Nevada, and plenty of room nights for area hotels.

At least two of the events are, like ESPN's Great Outdoor Games, events that are created and televised by TV networks, including ones by NBC and Fox.

"It is helping us reposition this area as an adventure destination, not just a gaming town," said Ashby.

"We've discovered our niche and a formula." Ashby said she expects to be able to provide new events with similar packages that were worked out for ESPN.

That package included 3,000 complimentary rooms provided by several local casinos.

The RSCVA is continuing to work with Emily Miller, a sports consultant who was instrumental in getting ESPN to move its three year-old outdoor games here.