VIVERITO IS PART OF A CLASS OF THREE INDUCTEES – ALL GIANTS IN THE NATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
ST. LOUIS – March 11, 2025 – As president of the St. Louis Sports Commission from 1995 through 2022, Frank Viverito steered the organization and the region to great heights. His contributions have been deservingly recognized by many local organizations. Now, Viverito is being honored on a prestigious national stage. The Sports Events & Tourism Association – Sports ETA – is inducting Viverito into its Hall of Fame.
Formerly the National Association of Sports Commissions, Sports ETA is the premier trade organization for the sports events and tourism industry. Its Hall of Fame recognizes significant accomplishments and major contributions to the organization and the overall sports tourism industry. Viverito will officially be inducted into the Hall of Fame on April 16 at Sports ETA’s annual symposium in Tulsa. In addition to Viverito, the 2025 Hall of Fame class includes Linda Logan, CEO & president of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, and Jon Lugbill, executive director of the Richmond Sports Backers.
“Sports ETA was born as the National Association of Sports Commissions in St. Louis in 1992, so the organization has always meant a great deal to me,” said Viverito. “Now to be chosen for its Hall of Fame, along with my dear friends Jon and Linda, simply means the world.”
Viverito retired as president of the St. Louis Sports Commission at the end of 2022, completing 28 years at the helm of the organization. He has been a tireless advocate and booster of the St. Louis region. During his tenure, the Sports Commission attracted events that brought over $1 billion to the area, including both the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, 10 NCAA Wrestling Championships, the NCAA Frozen Four, the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, and many other high-profile football, basketball, and Olympic sports events.
Viverito was also at the forefront of creating the Musial Awards, a nationally acclaimed annual event that celebrates extraordinary sportsmanship in America. In 2024, the televised show on CBS drew 2.25 million viewers.
Under Viverito’s direction, the St. Louis Sports Commission was named national sports commission of the year three times and received numerous civic and industry awards.
Viverito has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame, and has been honored with awards given by many civic and charitable groups.
“There is no question that any recognition I have ever received confirms that this has been a true team effort,” Viverito said. “Our staff, board, members, volunteers, media, financial supporters, civic and industry partners, and all St. Louis sports fans continually work together to bring great events and great benefit to our region.”
“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.”