Sports

February 15, 2011

Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor 
Executive Chamber  
The Capitol Albany, NY 12224 

Dear Governor Cuomo,  

The Sports Foundation of the Capital Region would like to express its support for the New York State Convention Center in Albany and thank you for the continued appropriation of funds in the 2011-12 Executive Budget.  

It is absolutely the right time to build the New York State Convention Center. New York State tax payers have been the beneficiaries of the sports business brought to this region but without this additional venue, efforts to bring future sports events and competitions, like NCAA events and other collegiate competitions will be diminished. Each major event brings between 17- 20,000 competitors and fans to New York and between $1 and 4 million in visitor spending. But as the sports Local Organizing Committee for many of these competitions we have been told that current facilities are not adequate for hosting. We have a great reputation for a sports friendly destination and want to grow that segment of our economy.  

The Convention Center would end this unmet need for attracting new sports related business and events to New York State.  Travel business stimulated $797 million in spending in Albany County alone in 2009, in turn, generating $111 in tax revenues. This project only serves to enhance that activity. Also, the Center is a job generator that will resultin close to 1,000 permanent positions at the center and related New York state business.     

With 75% of the land already in control of the Convention Center Authority, and other activity also underway, 2011 is the perfect time to begin the final design and to begin construction. It is a funded project that is ready to get started. We hope that you agree and will provide the leadership to move the Convention Center forward. The Sports Foundation of the Capital Region thanks you, Governor Cuomo, for your support of the New York State Convention Center and asks for your continued leadership to move this vital economic development project forward. 

Sincerely,                   

Brian Akley     
Co-President  

   
Cc:  Lt. Governor Robert Duffy        
Commissioner Kenneth Adams        
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver        
Senator Dean Skelos        
Senator Neil D. Breslin        
Assemblymember Ron Canastrari