Legacy: A field by any other name

ALACHUA – Three multipurpose fields are coming to the city of Alachua, intended to provide recreation for locals as well as draw in tourism to the town. Now, the city is looking at what to call the new complex, and the name could mean money for Alachua.

The fields, totaling around 25 acres, will be located near the Hal Brady Recreation Complex. The City of Alachua is looking for a partner to help sell the naming rights for the three fields to help cut down on construction costs.

So far, the city has received two proposals.

Team Services, LLC and Premier Partnerships Inc. are the two companies interested in the naming battle. Team Services, LLC offered $10,000, while Premier Partnerships Inc. has proposed $15,000.

The city is looking to choose Premier Partnerships Inc. because of their expertise in naming rights and revenue and sales strategy.

The firm would help the city find a corporate sponsor to buy the rights to name the complex.

At the Monday, Nov. 18 Alachua City Commission meeting, the commission voted unanimously to pursue the idea of selling the naming rights.

“Project Legacy,” as it’s called, began three years ago when the city bought 100 acres of land after receiving a $500,000 grant.

In 2010, the city commission authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement for the purchase of land near the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, so long as none of the money came from the city’s general fund.

The grant for the project came from the Alachua County Tourist Development Council, and was paid for by the tax on motel and hotel rooms.

The deal came with some conditions, though.

As part of the agreement, after a three-year “ramping up” period, the city will be required to host at least six events each year, lasting at least two consecutive days, featuring at least 20 teams competing.

A major draw of the fields could be lacrosse tournaments, with lacrosse being the fastest-growing sport in the country and in Florida, said Assistant City Manager Adam Boukari. However, the area would be used for several sports and events, including soccer, football and cheerleading competitions, he said.

The city hopes that the impact of the project will boost local businesses economically as well as provide a place for young athletes to engage in their sport of choice.

Construction for the complex should be finished by Jan. 1, 2015.

Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., was happy with the idea that the city may have a new recreation epicenter, without costing the taxpayer’s money.

“I’m excited,” he said.

City Commissioner Robert Wilford said the multipurpose fields were important to the citizens of Alachua because it improves the quality of living that should be expected in “The Good Life Community.”

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