Sports Committee Meeting Minutes

Branson Chamber/CVB - Silver Dollar City Room

November 12th, 2025

 

Call to Order / Introductions - Given by Ryan Gdovin

  • Ryan called the meeting to order.

 

Branson Chamber & CVB / Sports Committee Updates – Given by Kristina Hagey

  • Kristina welcomed Caylen Cantrell as the new chair and Natalie Calvert as the new co-chair.

 

Sporting Event Updates – Given by Kristina Hagey

  • XTERRA Event
    • Hosted 148 athletes.
    • Caylen and Table Rock Lake State Park staff were commended for exceptional support.
  • 2025 Yeti Open
    • Hosted 1,050 anglers.
    • Previous year had 548 anglers due to weather.
  • Branson 2025 Projection
    • Approximately 91 sporting events by year-end/ up 24% over 2025
    • 40 events supported directly by Explore Branson Sports.
  • 2026 Babe Ruth League World Series
    • Branson secured its 3rd World Series event.
    • 16U-18U age group.
    • 20 teams anticipated, including 10 international teams.
    • Scheduled for July 27-August 4, 2026, at Ballparks of America
  • Recent/Upcoming Events
    • Top Gun Fall Prospect Series held November 8-9 at Branson RecPlex and Ballparks.
    • Two upcoming November gymnastics events:
      • Legends Gymnastics Meet
      • Gingerbread Classic Tournament

 

Venue & Facility Committee Member Updates – Given by Stewart Grimm

  • Branson RecPlex – Updates given by Stewart Grimm (on behalf of Josh and Jerry)
    • Fall Top Gun Event and Top Gunj is returning in 2026
    • 2026 College Softball events scheduled in early 2026
    • 2026 sporting event schedule is on their website
  • Ballparks of America – Updates given by Wade Early
    • Top Gun Fall Prospect Series also used the field at Ballparks of America.
    • July - August in 2026 is set to be very busy with the addition of a 3rd World Series.
    • New 10U-14U spring training scheduled for next spring.
    • New General Manager: Tracy Bristow
  • Branson Convention Center – Updates given by Jordan Cannefax
    • No sporting events in the months of October or November due to conference scheduling.
    • Celebrity Cheer and Dance Competition scheduled for next month.
    • 14 sporting events hosted year-to-date.

 

Explore Branson Sports Department Updates – Given by Stewart Grimm

  • Connect Conference: 31 total appointments, Kristina, Stewart and several Branson CVB departments attended.
  • Sports ETA 4S: Stewart attended this conference.
  • Teams Conference: Kristina & Stewart attending this very successful conference with 39 total appointments.
  • US Sports Congress: Stewart will attend next month.

 

Committee Member News & Updates – Given by Ryan Gdovin

  • No additional updates from members.

 

2026 Sports Committee Meeting Dates – Given by Ryan Gdovin

  • Next meeting: Wednesday, February 28th @ 3:30pm