Hot Topics Panel Theme: Youth Sports and Tourism – The Myrtle Beach Experience
Youth sports and tourism have emerged as powerful drivers of economic growth and community development, with Myrtle Beach standing out as a premier destination in this developing sector. Myrtle Beach has leveraged its top-tier facilities, vibrant local economy, and family-friendly atmosphere to become a major hub for youth sports tournaments across a variety of sports. This panel will explore how the city has harnessed sports tourism to attract thousands of athletes and spectators annually, contributing millions in economic impact, as well as the legal and risk management issues unique to this space. Panelists will discuss key law and risk management topics, the challenges and opportunities in hosting large-scale events, and the strategies that have positioned Myrtle Beach as a leader in the youth sports tourism industry.
The Panelists:
Amanda Player-Wofford
Athletic and Sports Tourism Director, City of North Myrtle Beach
Lecturer, Coastal Carolina University
Amanda Player-Wofford is the Athletic and Sports Tourism Director for the City of North Myrtle Beach, where she oversees programs and events that support the region’s thriving sports tourism industry. She is also a Lecturer in the Department of Recreation and Sport Management at Coastal Carolina University.
Amanda holds a Master of Science degree in Intercollegiate Administration from Pennsylvania Western University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Recreation and Sports Management from Coastal Carolina University.
Tim Huber
Sports Tourism Director, City of Myrtle Beach
Tim Huber serves as the Sports Tourism Director for the City of Myrtle Beach, overseeing the city’s Sports Tourism Division. In this role, he collaborates with event organizers and owners to attract participants to the Grand Strand, enhancing both the local economy and the city’s reputation as a premier sports destination.
Under his leadership of the Sports Tourism Division, Myrtle Beach has experienced significant growth in sports tourism, hosting over 150,000 athletes and 1.2 million spectators, resulting in $174 million in direct spending. His efforts have been instrumental in establishing Myrtle Beach as a leading destination for sports tourism.
Tim is also a member of the Executive Committee for the Myrtle Beach Bowl, the first of its kind bowl game in South Carolina.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from SUNY Brockport in 1990.
Matt Ensworth
General Manager, The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach
Matt Ensworth is the General Manager of The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach, a top youth baseball complex known for providing players, coaches, and families with a unique opportunity to enjoy tournament baseball in a premier vacation destination.
With over 15 years of experience at The Ripken Experience, Matt has been instrumental in delivering a big league experience for players and continually reinvesting in the complex to enhance its facilities and services. Under his leadership, the complex hosts approximately 27,000 players and 93,000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy and the development of youth baseball.
His dedication to providing best in class facilities and memorable experiences has solidified The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a leading destination for youth baseball tournaments.
Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts from Coastal Carolina University in 2000.