ABOVE VIDEO:On Thursday evening the mayor and council approved a plan that will facilitate a Tough Mudder event at “The Compound” in southwest Palm Bay on November 7-8, 2015.(Tough Mudder Video)
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet” is coming to Palm Bay and with it will be a huge economic boost for the city and Brevard County.
On Thursday evening the mayor and council approved a plan that will facilitate a Tough Mudder event at “The Compound” in southwest Palm Bay on November 7-8, 2015.
The event is a 10+ mile obstacle course touted as the “ultimate test of strength, grit, stamina and teamwork”.
Former Parks and Recreation Director Heidi Lapin brought the idea to the city several months ago and submitted the Request for Proposal (RFP) which showcased the compound area and the city’s desire to host the event and provide logistical support.
William Capote
“This is a huge win for us,” said Mayor William Capote, who played a significant role in luring the event to the city.
“This is the kind of investment that helps Palm Bay’s future, both economically and in becoming a high profile destination city.”
Tough Mudder’s consideration of a Central Florida event venue was a competitive bid process involving representatives from multiple communities in Florida.
Representative Posey sent a letter to the Tough Mudder director of venues highlighting Palm Bay and Brevard County’s commitment to helping wounded warriors, a cause that Tough Mudder is dedicated to supporting.
U.S. Rep. Bill Posey
“Tough Mudder stresses team work and camaraderie, and both were critical in ensuring this event will be held in Palm Bay,” said Congressman Bill Posey.
“There is no doubt Tough Mudder will have a positive impact on local businesses here in Brevard County, while also supporting our wounded warriors.”
“I commend the City of Palm Bay and the Tourist Development Council for working to bring Tough Mudder to Florida’s Eighth Congressional District,” said Posey.
Space Coast Sports Promotions is a division of the Space Coast Office of Tourism. Together they are providing marketing support along with funding site support fees.
The city will provide in-kind support through negotiated use of the land at “The Compound” for the event and for logistical support including police, fire, public works and parks and recreation support staff.
The City Attorney’s Office drafted the final agreements in order to close the deal.
The event is expected to generate more than 6,000 hotel room nights across the Space Coast.
Eric Garvey
“This event will bring more than 10,000 people not just to Palm Bay but across the Space Coast,” said Eric Garvey, Executive Director of Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism.
Tough Mudder is the #1 brand in the endurance event category, and the publicity value combined with economic impact from visitor spending gives us a tremendous ROI.”
The economic impact is typically between a $3-10 million impact for the local economy for each Tough Mudder event.
The deal also includes venue options for the next four years.
