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USTA Scraps Spring Hill Tennis Complex Plans Amid Fundraising Struggles

Issue #377

12 Mar

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ high of 76 & low of 56

📰 USTA Scraps Spring Hill Tennis Complex Plans Amid Fundraising Struggles

📰 Tennessee Outpaces Nation in Business Growth and Jobs

👉 Mule Day 2025 Order of Events Released

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, March 12th

Thursday, March 13th

Friday, March 14th

Saturday, March 15th

Sunday, March 16th

USTA Scraps Spring Hill Tennis Complex Plans Amid Fundraising Struggles

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has withdrawn from its planned tennis complex at Legacy Pointe in Spring Hill, citing fundraising difficulties. SouthStar, LLC, the real estate developer behind the project, had been collaborating with USTA for nearly three years to bring a regional tennis facility to the area. However, due to challenges in securing necessary funds, USTA made the decision to step away.

USTA leaders expressed disappointment over the outcome, acknowledging the significant time and effort put into planning the facility. Despite extensive efforts, including numerous meetings and funding explorations, the financial support needed to move forward was not secured.

SouthStar had committed to providing a location for the facility within the Legacy Pointe development, aiming to attract local, regional, and national tournaments. However, USTA needed to raise several million dollars to cover construction and operational costs, which ultimately proved unfeasible.

While this specific project will not move forward, USTA officials praised the enthusiasm of Spring Hill’s leadership and community, leaving open the possibility of future discussions if new funding opportunities arise. Public-private partnerships or phased development approaches could be considered to revive the idea of a tennis facility in the area.

With USTA’s withdrawal, SouthStar is actively seeking alternative partners for Legacy Pointe. The company has already engaged in discussions with multiple organizations interested in bringing valuable amenities to the community. Options being explored include family recreation facilities, major retailers, and restaurants, with announcements expected soon.

Legacy Pointe, a 213-acre mixed-use development, began construction in May 2024 and will feature residential, commercial, and office spaces, along with green space and community amenities. A critical four-lane road connecting Crossings Boulevard to Kedron Road remains on track for completion in 2025.

Tennessee Outpaces Nation in Business Growth and Jobs

Tennessee saw a surge in business growth in 2024, with more than 73,000 new business entities filing with the Secretary of State’s office, according to the latest Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report. In the fourth quarter alone, 16,616 new businesses were established.

The report also showed a 31.8% increase in business renewals, signaling continued confidence in the state's economic environment. Hamilton County led the state in new business filings, experiencing a 10.2% growth rate.

Economic analysts suggest that the steady rise in business filings contributes to job creation, income growth, and increased state revenue. Experts also note that Tennessee's economy appears to be stabilizing into a new post-pandemic normal, aligning with sentiments expressed in the Tennessee Business Leaders Survey. The survey revealed that 75.9% of business leaders believe the state is on the right track, and nearly 73% rated the state government’s support for businesses as "good" or "excellent."

Tennessee continues to outperform the national average in key economic areas. Personal income rose 3.5% over the previous quarter, reaching $472.6 billion in the fourth quarter. Adjusted for inflation, real personal income increased by 1.9%, surpassing the national rate of 1.6%. The state's unemployment rate remains lower than the national average, standing at 3.6% compared to 4.1% nationwide.

Mule Day 2025 Order of Events Released

Mule Day 2025 is just around the corner on April 3rd - 6th!

Download the 2025 program here for detailed information on all to goings on… you can even see pictures of all the contest / pageant winners from 2024.

For exhibitor / vendor info and everything else, check muleday.com and keep tabs on their Facebook & Instagram accounts.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, March 12th

Kayleigh Matthews, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, March 13th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Ryan & Ryan, Cherry Theater - Columbia State, 7 PM
Kirwan, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, March 14th

Open Mic, Grinders Switch, 6-8 PM
Open Mic, Twisted Copper Brewing Company, 7 PM
Yonder Grove, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Garrett Boys, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, March 15th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10 AM-2 PM
Bald Kernal, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Hippies & Cowboys, The Mulehouse, 7 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Zone Status, The Boondox, 8-11 PM
Static Pop, Gary's Place, 8 PM-12 AM

Sunday, March 16th

CJ Conklin, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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