All Sports Association turns 60

The All Sports Association, which has brought many premier athletic events to Oklahoma City, celebrated its 60th anniversary on Thursday.

Empty arenas possess an enchanting effect on Tim Brassfield.

Hours before a sporting event, the executive director of the Oklahoma City All Sports Association knows the calm will transform into excitement as the seats fill. And the magic of competition will call Oklahoma City home for the day.

The Oklahoma City All Sports Association has helped shape a thriving sports scene in Oklahoma City for decades.

The nonprofit organization drives events such as the Women’s College World Series and All-College Basketball Classic, and it’s responsible for bringing in $35 million into the Oklahoma City community a year on average.

Brassfield’s group celebrated its 60th anniversary Thursday. The organization’s executive director discussed his history with All Sportsand its impact on Oklahoma City.

Question: What’s your experience been like working with OKC All Sports?

Answer: “Well, I’ve been here since 1999. I followed the legend, Stanley Draper Jr., who was here 42 years. I’ve now been here almost 18 (years). It’s been a blessing, first of all, to do what I do. Any time you can be involved in an organization that benefits the life of others, it makes it a little more exciting to live and exciting to be around. It’s been wonderful.”

For the organization to reach its 60th anniversary, what type of difference do you feel like it’s made on the sports landscape?

“Well without question, I think All Sports was kind of the first to really look at sports as a business for our community when they began to bring in events 60 years ago. It started with the All-College (Classic). By viewing our community as something more than just a place events could land, All Sports began to look at the quality of life issue for our community, knowing that it wasn’t just about the money bringing in, but it was making Oklahoma City a better place to live. I think that’s the greatest benefit we’ve had, as well as the many opportunities that we’ve given student-athletes to shine in their arenas over the years.”

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of leading this organization?

“I’ve been involved with great people and great staff over the years. As they continue to grow and watching them grow as people and in their professions, they care about what they do. That’s definitely the most rewarding. Our staff is very family-like. There are seven of us, and we all have a connection outside of All Sports with each other. It’s rewarding as well to know what we’re doing is making Oklahoma City a better place to live. “

Have you received feedback from the visiting teams when they come to Oklahoma about their experience?

“It’s probably our favorite thing to hear what a wonderful time (they had). Even though they’re so focused most of the time on the championship itself, generally we’ll receive something as late as four, five years later, thanking us. I have letters from athletes that have played here. And they’ll send a letter thanking us for all we did, to facilitate the championship and to bring it to Oklahoma City and congratulating all the people that have worked around it. For me, it’s not only just our staff, but it’s all the wonderful people in Oklahoma City.”

Has it been a process to land those bigger events to come to Oklahoma City?

“It is a process, and it’s all about relationships. Obviously, we have to have the infrastructure to do it. But it really gets down to building relationships at the levels of decision-makers with the NCAA and the Big 12. And then, the financial structure that has to follow or be made to bring something as big as one of those championships in.

It’s definitely a process, but the competition for these type of events is definitely big, and the city is the beneficiary when we bring them in. I think we’ve been really successful, and we’ll continue to be.”

As you look ahead, is there room for growth for even bigger events to come through Oklahoma City?

“Without question, Oklahoma City is poised to grow. Our mission is certainly collegiate championships. That’s what we’re going to do. As our infrastructure and facilities grow and get better, that’ll afford us to bring in the bigger and better (events). They’re certainly on our radar.”