Sports Backers’ Jon Lugbill to be Inducted into Sports ETA hall of fame

RICHMOND, VA – Sports ETA announced today that three esteemed leaders in the sports and events tourism industry will be inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame, powered by the Albuquerque Sports Commission, at the organization’s annual Symposium this April. Sports Backers is proud to announce that its Executive Director, Jon Lugbill, will be among the distinguished honorees, joining Linda Logan, CEO and President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, and Frank Viverito, retired President & CEO of the St. Louis Sports Commission.

The Sports ETA Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award recognizing long-standing and significant contributions to both the industry trade association, Sports ETA, and the broader sports tourism industry. Since its establishment in 2017, the Hall of Fame has inducted 21 individuals across six classes.

“Sports ETA is honored to welcome three new members into the association’s prestigious Hall of Fame,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Linda Logan, Jon Lugbill, and Frank Viverito have all made major impacts in our industries and their respective communities that are celebrated and recognized by their induction into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame.”

Jon Lugbill: A Legacy of Leadership in Sports Tourism

For over 32 years, Jon Lugbill has served as the Executive Director of Sports Backers, a nonprofit organization that promotes active living and enhances the Richmond region through sports events, fitness programs, and infrastructure advocacy. Under his leadership, Sports Backers has grown into one of the nation’s most impactful sports commissions, hosting premier events such as the Allianz Richmond Marathon, Dominion Energy Riverrock, Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K presented by Kroger, and the CarMax Tacky Light Run, among others.

Beyond event management, Lugbill has helped Sports Backers spearhead community fitness initiatives, including some of the nation’s largest training teams, a youth fitness program serving hundreds of area kids, and 60 free weekly fitness classes in underserved communities. The organization has also played a key role in the development of major infrastructure projects, such as the 43-mile Fall Line trail and other bike and pedestrian improvements throughout the region. Sports Backers was named America’s Best Sports Commission by Sports ETA in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2016.

As an athlete, Lugbill is a five-time individual and seven-time team world champion in whitewater canoe slalom. He placed fourth in the 1992 Olympic Games and has been inducted into both the International Whitewater Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

“I’m very grateful for the honor of being inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame,” said Jon Lugbill. “While I’m being honored personally, it is really a reflection on the dedicated volunteers, board members, donors, sponsors, partner organizations and local governments, that collectively have created an active living movement in the Richmond region.”

The Sports ETA 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on April 16th in Tulsa, OK.

About Sports ETA

As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA serves as the trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports event owners. Representing over 750 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals, Sports ETA is committed to delivering quality education, networking opportunities, and expert event management and marketing support. For more information, visit SportsETA.org.