New Director Looks to Grand Park’s Future
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe new director of Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield says he will continue a focus on expanding event offerings at the facility beyond sports. William Knox, who previously served as director of sports development for Hamilton County Tourism, says going beyond sports was "always part of the plan" for Grand Park. He says the booking of trade shows and other industry events is done well in advance, allowing park leaders time to make sure the needed infrastructure is in place.
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook says Knox is "uniquely qualified to lead the organization into the future," since he "was integrally involved in the development of Grand Park since its inception. Prior to joining Hamilton County Tourism, he served as director of sports marketing with the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as director of the Hoosier Sports Corp. He is also a board member of organizations including the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation and the National Association of Sports Commissions.
Grand Park recently announced that its Events Center will host the biannual Whale of a Sale children’s consignment event each of the next three years. That event features more than 42,000 square feet of toys, furniture and clothing for children. The first sale at Grand Park will take place May 9-13, 2017, with the venue signed on to host the events through 2019. At the time, Whale of a Sale co-founder Courtney O’Neil called the venue "the perfect location for our large fan base of families in Hamilton County," saying she believes having the event at Grand Park will increase attendance.
Grand Park has continued to grow since it officially opened in June of 2014. The 400-acre campus features 26 baseball and softball diamonds and more than 30 multipurpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse. In January, the Jonathan Byrd’s Fieldhouse indoor basketball/volleyball facility opened. the $20 million Grand Park Events Center, featuring three full-sized indoor soccer fields, a restaurant and administrative offices, opened in July.
Knox says he is excited to transition into his new role, saying, "The campus has allowed Hamilton County to become a premier destination for travel sports and I look forward to working with Grand Park staff, stakeholders and community leaders to continue the development of the Grand Park campus."