Fieldhouse has new internationally known tenet
WINTER HAVEN – The recently opened AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center has its first tenant.
And they are an internationally renowned powerhouse.
YBOA – Youth Basketball of America – will be relocating their national headquarters to Winter Haven, thanks to a partnership deal brokered by Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PCTSM). With this new partnership, Winter Haven will be the host community for the 2020 YBOA Boys National Championships in July as well as eight to 10 other major YBOA events in the near future.
Joe Picket, left, YBOA president, signs the agreement to move YBOA headquarters to the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center while YBOA Vice President of Operations Jack Love looks on.
“When Mark (Jackson) first contacted me about the new field house project and his vision to bring YBOA to Winter Haven I was very excited to begin discussions with his PCTSM team to make this historic move a reality,” said YBOA President Joe Pickett.
“The fieldhouse is a game changer,” said Mark Jackson, PCTSM director. “YBOA is an international organization represented in over 32 countries. Partnerships with YBOA will open doors to partnerships with other indoor sports organizations. We will be able to host national events of all kinds, where attendees can see all the good that is Winter Haven.”
Joe Pickett agreed. “Winter Haven is a fantastic location for YBOA,” said Pickett. “YBOA is a family orientated organization and Winter Haven will be a great destination for all of our families, players, coaches and guests to enjoy for years to come”.
Jack Love, YBOA’s vice president of basketball operations, who has been with the company for 20 years, agrees.
“This is the definition of a win-win scenario for everyone involved,” said Love. “Winter Haven and the surrounding areas will enjoy a great economic boost. And our teams and families can enjoy a great basketball event and vacation combo while experiencing all of what Polk County and Central Florida have to offer. In addition, we couldn’t be more thrilled to work with such a well-respected and professional team as PCTSM.”
YBOA teams are in most states and globally in 32 countries where boys and girls from second to 12th grade participate in year round tournaments, camps, leagues and clinics. YBOA’s motto is “Where Youth Come First” and supports programing which provides benefits for today’s youth.
In July 2020, the new AdventHealth Fieldhouse will host both sessions of the YBOA Boys National Championships, where hundreds of teams from the U.S. and internationally will be competing for national honors.