JSU's SID Predicts New Hotel to Spark Increase in Sporting Events Hosted by the University

By Alex Scarborough-Anderson
Special to The Star
06-13-2008

Reprinted here in its entirety.

New Hotel Allows Jacksonville More Opportunities

For years, Jacksonville visitors and residents have had two choices when it comes to picking a hotel: the University Inn or hit the road.

But with plans approved for a Hampton Inn to be built on the southern end of Jacksonville, residents will have a brand-name hotel to call their own.

Building plans for the new hotel were approved by the city's planning commission May 20, and construction is scheduled to begin in July, according to Sandy Howell, coordinator for Wes Long and Associates.

The four-story hotel will offer 80 rooms and feature a conference center, solarium and courtyard combining to host approximately 300 people.

The Hampton Inn will be located off Alabama 21 on Greenleaf Street SW.

Howell estimated construction will take approximately 10 months, but the wait hasn't tempered city officials' hopes of attracting more visitors and businesses with the help of the new hotel.

Jacksonville Mayor Johnny Smith said he believes the hotel will help keep visitors in Jacksonville who would otherwise find accommodations out of town.

Instead of making reservations in nearby Oxford or Anniston, Smith said the hotel should keep more visitors in town to spend their money at local businesses and restaurants.

"I think it's going to be a great addition for us," Smith said. "In the past we've seen people come into town and stay in Oxford and then eat in Oxford. We're hoping that will change."

Smith added he'd like to see other retailers move in around the hotel, with the possibility of restaurants or entertainment also moving to the area.

Rumblings of the city hosting soccer, little league baseball or softball tournaments have already begun with the city's newfound accommodations.

Jacksonville State University could also benefit from the new hotel. With 80 more hotel rooms available near campus, Gamecock fans will have a new place to stay Friday nights in the fall.

JSU fans could also see less travel time in the future to see their Gamecocks play.

Sports Information Director Greg Seitz expects the hotel to offer the school more flexibility in holding sports events in Jacksonville.

"There's no question it will help JSU," Seitz said. "It definitely gives us more options with the opportunity to host more events in the future."

The athletics department has already informed other schools in the Ohio Valley Conference of the city's upcoming new accommodations.

See story at The Anniston Star's website: www.annistonstar.com .

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