Gastonia Looks To Create Sports and Entertainment Commission

The Gastonia City Council has approved a proposal that could help attract more major events, from sporting tournaments to live concerts. The commission will include at least 15 members, a mix of city staff and local residents, tasked with recruiting and supporting sporting and entertainment events.

"They will be charged with attracting events to our existing facilities, supporting current events, and evaluating what improvements or modifications are needed," said Dandria Bradley, communications and marketing director for Gastonia, according to WCNC.

Downtown foot traffic picked up after the local baseball team switched to the Ghost Peppers name last season. Shop owners see this new group as a chance to grow their sales.

"If we can add some more businesses, or get some sports teams here, I'm completely down with that it sounds like a great plan," said Molly Gaston, who owns Faded Cuts and Shaves downtown. "The more people through the door, the more recognition — that's how word spreads that we're here and growing."

Gaston thinks the vacant buildings could turn into something special. "I think there is a lot of uncharted territory with buildings and places to do things," she said. "There's great opportunity to bring in big names and events because people are always looking for things to do."

Should the council approve, residents can sign up to join. The new team would then start working to pull in fresh shows while supporting the ones already running.