Small Town, Big Game: The Kernersville Model for Sports Tourism

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.Think your department is too small to make a massive economic impact? Think again. In this episode, we look at Kernersville, NC—a fast-growing suburb proving that intentional, multi-use facility planning can turn a small town into a sports tourism powerhouse.Guests Bonny Bernat, Senior Sports Development Manager for Visit Winston-Salem, and Ernie Pages, Kernersville Parks and Recreation Director will lead us through:The COVID Catalyst: How a single weekend post-lockdown proved the undeniable value of sports tourism to local officials.Designing with Intent: Why a "big" mindset matters when planning field layouts, court spaces, and facility expansions.Government 101: Why sports tourism professionals need to learn how to advocate, educate, and build relationships with elected officials.The Blueprint for Success: How small towns can successfully sync up with their CVBs to generate tournament revenue.