Spokane City Prepares Venue Agreement for 2027 NCAA Cross Country Championships

During the Spokane Valley TPA Commission meeting on July 17, 2025, significant discussions centered around the development of a venue rental agreement for the upcoming NCAA Division 1 men's and women's regional cross country championships, scheduled for 2027. The city is collaborating with Spokane Sports and a consultant, Sports Facilities Company, to finalize this agreement, which is crucial for hosting the event. The NCAA has set a deadline for the city to sign the venue agreement, but city officials are taking a cautious approach to ensure all requirements are thoroughly understood before proceeding.

Parks and Recreation Director John Battelle has been actively involved in discussions to clarify the roles of the city and Spokane Sports in managing the event. The agreements are currently under review by the city’s legal department, with hopes for a flexible timeline from the NCAA to finalize the details. This careful planning aims to ensure that both the city and Spokane Sports are well-prepared for the responsibilities associated with the event.

In addition to the NCAA agreement, the meeting also addressed the upcoming annual report on the TPA program, which is due to the city council by September 30. This report will include a proposed budget for 2026, with discussions already underway regarding the allocation of funds. The city is looking to maintain a reserve of $300,000 while planning for a budget recommendation similar to the previous year’s figures.

Another key topic was the potential establishment of an "opportunity fund" aimed at attracting events to Spokane. This fund would allow the city to commit resources for events scheduled two to three years in advance, addressing a gap in the current funding system that typically only supports events in the following calendar year. The proposal aims to enhance Spokane's competitiveness in securing major events, which could significantly benefit the local economy.

As the city prepares for these developments, officials are optimistic about the progress being made and the potential for Spokane to host significant events in the coming years. The outcomes of these discussions will not only shape the future of Spokane's event hosting capabilities but also contribute to the broader goal of enhancing community engagement and economic growth through tourism and sports.