City Council President Ron Salem wants Jacksonville to compete harder for athletic events like the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and he has introduced an ordinance aimed at fueling the city’s efforts to draw big games.
Ordinance 2023-869 would appropriate $1.5 million from the Tourist Development Council fund to Visit Jacksonville to promote the city as a sports-tourism destination.
The proposal is designed to help Jacksonville in discussions among event organizers about site selections, with the objective of landing the millions of tourist dollars and media promotional value that comes with playing host to high-profile events.
Goals include reestablishing Jacksonville as a March Madness site.
The city drew the opening rounds of the tournament four times between 2006 and 2019 before falling off the schedule, which is set through 2026.
Salem’s ordinance is scheduled for a public Council hearing Jan. 9.