CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (April 7, 2026)
– The Sports & Events Corporation (TSEC) announces its formal launch as a standalone community sports commission dedicated to maximizing the power of sports to drive tourism, economic impact, and community pride throughout the region.
Incorporated in March 2025 and funded by the Hamilton County Government, TSEC builds upon years of strategic sports tourism development that has positioned Hamilton County as a competitive and credible destination for youth, amateur, collegiate, and elite sporting events. While newly established in name, the organization’s impact and leadership are deeply rooted in the community.
“We believe sports have the power to strengthen communities when it’s guided by purpose, partnership, and accountability,” said Tim Morgan, President of TSEC. “Our focus is simple: bringing the right events for the right reasons and delivering outcomes our community can be proud of.”
For over 14 years, the TSEC team has served as trailblazers for sports events in Hamilton County, leading efforts to diversify the use of regional infrastructure and fully leverage both traditional facilities and natural venues to attract major events across a wide range of sports.
Among those accomplishments is the transformation of the Chattanooga Convention Center into a multisport facility capable of hosting major tournaments through the buildout of 11 basketball courts, 20 volleyball courts, and 36 pickleball courts for youth and adult events. The team has also played a central role in securing and hosting high-profile national championships, including the 2017 NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships and the 2023 NCAA Division II Softball National Championship. In 2014, the team spearheaded efforts to bring IRONMAN to the community, launching a partnership that led to global recognition when Chattanooga became the first city in the world to host separate Men’s and Women’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships on one weekend in 2017.
Building on that legacy, TSEC has supported the development of new events, including the Mountaintop March Volleyball Tournament and the Tennessee Bass Nation High School Fishing Tournament, and is actively engaged in international level preparations following Chattanooga’s designation as the official team basecamp for the Spanish National Football Federation in June 2026. In May 2026, TSEC will once again host the NCAA Division II Softball National Championship and Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships, along with the TSSAA High School Tennis Championships and Middle School Baseball and Softball Championships, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a trusted championship host.
With more than 30 years of combined experience, TSEC is led by a team of trusted professionals committed to integrity, accountability, and the delivery of high-impact sports and event experiences that generate measurable return. Through leadership, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the organization remains focused on delivering world-class experiences that unite the community and create lasting impact, on and off the field.
Central to TSEC’s mission is collaboration. The organization is committed to building and sustaining strong local partnerships and working alongside community organizations, venues, civic leaders, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and ensure Hamilton County remains a destination for meaningful, impactful sports experiences for years to come.
