Stafford Sports provides guidance and direction regarding financing strategies for sports and entertainment facilities for the public and private sector.
Our clients include:
• Broward County, FL (BB&T Center)
• Polk County, IA (Iowa Events Center Complex)
• City of Seattle (New NBA/NHL Arena)
• Harris County, TX (Minute Maid Park)
• City of Orlando (Amway Center)
• NBA Sixers/NHL Flyers (Wells Fargo Center)
• NBA San Antonio Spurs (AT&T Center)
• NBA Portland Trail Blazers (Rose Garden)
• NHL Islanders (Nassau Coliseum)
Creation of a Finance Advisory Team
Stafford Sports identifies, interviews, and assists in the hiring of financial advisors to work as additional team members on the project. Our firm advises in the identification and selection of professionals whose participation may be required to execute the financing including, but not limited to, the securities and project finance counsel, independent financial feasibility study consultants, survey research consultants, product pricing, etc.
Development of Project Financing Plan
Stafford Sports assists in crafting a finance plan for solicitation of financial support for the project and to assist ownership in obtaining the required public approvals for the project and it’s financing.
Stafford Sports works with the financial advisory team to design a project financing plan that satisfies the goals of ownership and is adequate to assure capital sufficient for the completion of the project. Stafford Sports manages and monitors all activities of the financing team, and works with them to identify components of the financing plan.
Management of Development Budgets
Stafford Sports consults with the financing team and provides input on development budgets, cash flow forecasts, and operating budgets, based on our extensive, hands-on experience in the development and operation of state-of-the-art facilities and professional sports franchises.
As part of the budget development process, Stafford reviews all revenue and expense projections including events, attendance, ticket sales, rent, concessions/catering, merchandise/retail operations, naming rights, premium seating, sponsorship, parking. Staffing, overhead operating costs, repairs and maintenance and capital expenditures.
Computer Modeling
Stafford assists in the development of computer models to simulate projected sources and uses of required construction funds, operating characteristics, cash flow, debt service coverage ratios and related financing information. The presentation of these models can be used in support of the solicitation of the purchasers or providers of debt securities, equity and vendor/supplier financing, negotiation support, public presentations as well as for internal decision-making and analysis.
Additional Services
Stafford Sports provides other related services, technical assistance and advice necessary to obtain a commitment for and close all the components of the financing consistent with the financing plan approved by ownership.