The proposed annual attendance is similar to what is seen at the Michigan International Speedway on one race weekend. We see tremendous activity from tourism in Lenawee County on these weekends and during similar events at MIS, including Faster Horses. On a smaller scale, we see similar activity related to athletic contests at our colleges.
We know that we already lose some economic activity due to the lack of lodging space within Lenawee County at these events. The market analysis shows that families that travel to these tournaments are willing to travel from their overnight accommodations up to 35 minutes to the facility, and that can be supported by lodging in the community inside and outside of the county borders. These lodging facilities support our existing events.
More importantly, we know that if this project should proceed forward, once the facility is developed, you will see additional private development in Lenawee County. Part of this growth will be in the hospitality/lodging industry. Our municipal partners have already fielded inquiries from developers in this industry regarding this project. The site selected has the room for this type of growth, as do other areas of the county.
Development in this industry will allow Lenawee County to capture that revenue year-round in Lenawee County that is often missed on race weekends or during Faster Horses, as well as during the continued operations of the proposed facility.