Berks County Sports Commission

History of Berks County Sports Commission

The Greater Reading Convention and Visitors Bureau announced The formation of Berks County Sports Commission on February 28, 2002. The committee’s mission is to promote Berks County as an ideal Location for state, regional, national and international sporting events, leading to a positive increase in the county’s local economy.

In the winter of 2001 the Commission became a member of the NASC. The NASC was founded in 1992 by 15 cities to promote amateur sports, provide networking opportunities to sports commission professionals and increase dialogue between host cities and event rights holders (owners of the events). Over 276 organizations from more than 225 cities across the country are currently members of the NASC. Membership includes organizations such as sports commissions, convention and visitors bureaus, even rights holders, colleges and universities and vendors and suppliers to the sports industry. 

The commission worked with the city of Reading to secure the Commerce Bank Triple Crown Pro-Cycling race for 2006 through 2008.  Each year the race brought over 400 athletes from 23 countries and 70 elite amateur cyclists to Reading.  The races also brought over 15,000 fans who lined the streets of Reading.  The event was also televised by local and Philadelphia TV stations as well as broadcasted by a local radio station.

The sports commission also brought in the 2007 Skate America event.  Held at the Sovereign Center in downtown Reading, over 60 world class figure skaters from around the world competed in dance and individual figure skating events.  Over 16,000 fans purchased tickets for the 3 day skating event.  
 

Sports Committee Members