Could Houston become the next Las Vegas when it comes to hosting high-profile sports tournaments? The Bayou City will host the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in April and World Cup matches in 2026, both at NRG Stadium. The projected economic impact of March Madness on Houston is more than $300M. And that comes on the heels of a major ($2.1M) rodeo.

Well, that escalated (and stopped) quickly. Recently, two cities had to pump the brakes on plans for theme parks, one slowing down in the face of concerns and negativity from neighbors and one seeing plans cancelled because the location was served by existing parks. Because both are in areas heavy with sports tourism, they deserve your attention.

Running is now an older sport. Over the past 10 years, the core demographic for event participation was 25- to 54-year-olds, with 35- to 44-year-olds comprising the largest participant segment. Post-2020, however, as the former core demographic turned 35 to 64 years old, young runners did not move into the sport. What does it mean for event owners?

Lacrosse wants a piece of the 2028 Olympics and it isn't messing around. This past week, its world governing body accepted six new national federations (that's right: six countries will field teams of their own). Additionally, World Lacrosse has been tinkering with a small-sided, more TV-friendly format of the game called sixes. Will it help?

England's governing body for soccer is experimenting with body cameras on selected referees, citing verbal and physical abuse. This comes in the wake of a poll in which refs stated they had received abuse, intimidation and death threats. Fact: 380 players and coaches were banned in 2022 for attacking or threatening referees and match officials.

Second verse, same as the first. Or actually, third verse, more like the second. The nationwide lifeguard shortage is expected to continue in 2023. Unfortunately, it will decimate the chances for municipal pools (home of rec swim leagues and lessons) to hire competent staff, since private facilities can afford to pay more. What is the trickle-down?