The Business Improvement District #4 Board Meeting held on December 4, 2024, in Mitchell, South Dakota, focused on the development of a new online platform aimed at promoting local sports and events. The initiative, referred to as "Play Easy," is designed to function similarly to a Facebook event page, allowing users to post and access information about various activities in the area.

Jake Hughes, the account executive overseeing the project, presented a prototype of the platform, which will feature a dedicated page for local hotels and attractions. Currently, the platform includes twelve hotels within the Business Improvement District, but it does not yet encompass other local venues such as the Budget Inn, the Corn Palace, or the Coach Light Inn.

A key aspect of the platform is its potential to enhance event attendance and track visitor statistics. By linking hotel bookings to specific events, such as the Hoop City Classic, the platform aims to provide valuable data on how many attendees stay in local accommodations. This information will be crucial for organizations seeking funding for events, as it will help demonstrate the economic impact of such activities on the community.

The platform also aims to improve visibility for local events through search engine optimization. Hughes noted that when users search for events like the Hoop City Classic, the platform should appear prominently in search results, making it easier for families and visitors to find relevant information and book accommodations.

In conclusion, the Play Easy platform represents a significant step toward enhancing Mitchell's appeal as a destination for sports and events. The board's discussions highlighted the importance of integrating local businesses and attractions into this initiative, with the goal of fostering community engagement and boosting the local economy. Further developments and refinements to the platform are expected as the project progresses.