Immersion Tour #2: Sports Tourism – Multi-Faceted, Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity
Sites: Accelerate Sports Complex, Utica University Nexus Center, Adirondack Bank Center
Oneida County has emerged as a growing hub for sports tourism, and this immersion tour will offer participants a firsthand look at how the $48 billion sports tourism industry drives economic impact and community vitality. Attendees will visit key local facilities including Accelerate Sports Complex, the Utica University Nexus Center, and the Adirondack Bank Center, learning how destinations attract and host tournaments, events, and competitions that bring visitors from across the region and beyond. The tour will also feature insights from local leaders and a statewide panel of sports tourism professionals who will discuss how destinations are leveraging sports to generate visitor spending, strengthen community identity, and position themselves competitively in the evolving sports tourism landscape.
About the Presenters:
Michael Lehr (Moderator)
Vice President of Marketing and Content, Utica Comets
Michael Lehr is the Vice President of Marketing and Content for the Utica Comets, where he oversees branding, fan engagement, and digital strategy. With a background in sports marketing and storytelling, he plays a key role in elevating the team’s presence locally and beyond. As moderator, he will guide the discussion and highlight insights from across the panel.
Shaun Kaleta
Director of Economic Development, Oneida County
Shaun Kaleta serves as Director of Economic Development for Oneida County, leading efforts that support regional growth, investment, and strategic partnerships. His work connects large-scale projects and community development initiatives across the county. He brings valuable insight into the role sports tourism plays in economic impact and long-term development.
Keith Veronesi
Chief Revenue Officer, Utica Comets & Mohawk Valley Garden
Keith Veronesi is the Chief Revenue Officer for the Utica Comets and Mohawk Valley Garden, where he leads revenue strategy, partnerships, and business development. He plays a key role in maximizing the impact of sports and entertainment venues in the region. His experience highlights how teams and facilities drive visitation and support the local economy.
Andy Starczewski
General Manager, Utica University Nexus Center
Andy Starczewski is the General Manager of the Utica University Nexus Center, a multi-use sports facility in downtown Utica. He oversees operations, programming, and event recruitment for the complex. His work focuses on positioning the region as a competitive destination for tournaments and large-scale sporting events.
Todd Garofano
Executive Director, Discover Schenectady
As the Executive Director of Discover Schenectady, the designated Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) for Schenectady County, Todd and his team work to share all the wonderful reasons to live, work, stay and play throughout the county.