In a deal that could generate millions for local businesses and create a revenue boost for the city of Warrenton, officials are partnering with a marketing agency to bring sports tournaments to town.Warrenton’s city-sponsored tourism commission has struck a deal with Tournament Sports Management (TSM), a St. Louis-area marketing agency that will seek out soccer, softball and baseball tournament organizers to bring their events to Warrenton.“Over the years we’ve learned that bringing tournaments to the community brings dollars to local businesses, which in turn brings sales taxes to the city,” Warrenton Director of Operations Terri Thorn said.Whenever a tournament is hosted at the Warrenton Athletic Complex off of Hickory Lick Road, the vast majority of participants are from out of town, Thorn said. That brings new money into the city for food and amenities, as well as lodging for multi-day tournaments.TSM’s job will be to work on the city’s behalf to attract tournaments and make arrangements with their organizers. For every tournament arranged through TSM, the city will pay a fee based on the number of participating teams.“If the tournament doesn’t happen, there is no payment. The payment happens after the tournament has been here,” Thorn said.Here’s the breakdown of what TSM would be paid per tournament:• 10 teams or fewer, $250;• 11-20 teams, $500;• 21-30 teams, $1,000; and• 31 teams or more, $1,500.On one of the busiest years at the athletic complex, six tournaments generated $2.8 million in spending at local businesses, said Assistant Director of Operations Brandi Walters. That translated to $49,000 in sales tax revenue just from restaurant and convenience store purchases, she said.Based on that example, the expected income to the city per tournament could be as much as $8,000, on top of the benefits to area businesses.Officials say that payoff is worth the money for a marketing agent to bring more tournaments to Warrenton.“Even if we did a 31-plus tournament, for six tournaments you’re talking $9,000 out with a $2 million gain. It’s common sense,” said Mayor Eric Schleuter.TSM already arranged two tournaments this year, on the weekends of May 6 and May 20. Thorn said those involved 37 teams and 44 teams, respectively. Warrenton’s tourism commission approved $3,000 for that service.The tourism commission is composed of appointed representatives from Warrenton’s business, tourism and hotel sectors, as well as a nonvoting liaison from the city government.The commission is funded and overseen by the Warrenton Board of Aldermen.TSM