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West Memphis highlights new T Rogers Park, tournament bookings and youth sports plans
Summary
Mayor and staff said the T Rogers Park grand opening and turf fields have already drawn tournament interest; city staff and Mr. Jones reported bookings with national operators 2D Sports and Grand Slam and early hotel sell-outs, and council discussed launching girls flag football with NFL Flag support.
City officials used the council meeting to highlight recent recreation investments and the economic prospects tied to sports tourism.
Mayor McClendon praised the departments and partners involved in the T Rogers Park ribbon‑cutting and described the project as a long‑awaited asset for residents and visitors. "We did an awesome job the year before where we spent 1.1 million," the mayor said when discussing street projects and investments, and he noted funding for the park construction came from Southland rather than directly from local taxpayers.
Mr. Jones, who briefed the council on tournament outreach and bookings, said the city had engaged major tournament operators. "The CEO is Pat Hall... 2D Sports... deal with 110 different teams," Mr. Jones said. He added that Grand Slam (Tommy Martins' group) had booked a tournament and that a hotel owner reported a sellout the weekend 2D Sports was expected. Mr. Jones said a first Grand Slam event is expected around Feb. 20 and that established coaches have scheduled future tournaments for 2027.
Council also discussed starting girls flag football through the recreation center with NFL Flag support; the council reported 140 high‑school girls had signed interest for the program, and the city expects to work toward AAA certification before turning the league over to the school district.
Officials said the parks’ turf fields can absorb rain and reduce cancellations, enabling more reliable tournament play and hotel occupancy. City staff signaled that tournament scheduling and continued investment in amenities, including a planned aquatic center and recreation facilities, are part of an economic development strategy to attract visitors, hotel stays and restaurant business to West Memphis.
