The Woodlands, a town located 30 miles north of Houston, Texas, may be the site for a new Ironman Texas triathlon. A vote on the event is imminent, with the Woodlands Board of Directors holding a public meeting shortly.
Buried in the town meeting agenda, item 12 states that the board shall: ‘Consider and act upon a Host Venue Sponsorship Agreement between World Triathlon Corporation, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding the Ironman Texas event in The Woodlands.’
If approved, it is anticipated that the full Ironman distance race will be held in May 2011 and will be billed as ‘Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas’.
“It will have a significant impact on The Woodlands,” said Bruce Tough, Chairman of The Woodlands Township board. “It’s a prime event to have and host and will bring national and global attention to the community. It is a signature event that will be televised and will involve multi-government agencies, but its home will be here in The Woodlands."
Nick Wolda, President of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau added, “It will showcase a world-class community with a world-class brand [and] will contribute from an economic standpoint.”
With an expected 2,500 participants from all 50 states and 25 counties during the third weekend in May 2011, Wolda estimates that the new Ironman Texas event would generate around US$16 million for the local economy. Local airlines, food and beverage sales, hotel rooms, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment are all set to benefit.
Wolda estimates that the event will also add in the region of US$1.3 million in tax revenues to the local economy.
