In the News

We are thrilled to welcome Ronnie Burt as our new Senior Vice President. Ronnie has decades of experience in the destination management and convention industries, with a proven track record in markets like Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Baltimore. In his role, his primary focus will be on developing and serving Hunden Partners’ DMO, economic development organization, and municipal clients to create great places. This includes destination development and placemaking plans, feasibility studies and development strategies for major tourism assets such as convention centers, hotels, sports facilities, mixed-use districts and entertainment venues.

His leadership will help us continue expanding our impact on the global stage, ensuring that communities can develop great places that attract visitors and drive economic growth.

Welcome to the team, Ronnie!

At Hunden Partners, we are passionate about placemaking and committed to working with clients and their communities who dream of unlocking their potential.

That is why we are excited to announce that we have been selected by the Dream Big Burnside Authority to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of General Burnside Island. Our team will guide the process to assess the potential for this exciting public-private partnership aimed at transforming the island into a vibrant destination.

The study will explore opportunities to bring new amenities like lodging, restaurants, conference centers, and entertainment venues to the island that builds upon a vision dating back to 1958. We’re honored to work alongside the City of Burnside, SPEDA, and Pulaski County to help shape the future of this unique Kentucky State Parks asset.

At the recent Bisnow Indianapolis State of the Market event, Rob Hunden, CEO, joined a distinguished panel with Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and Chris Jensen, Mayor of Noblesville. The discussion explored the transformative projects shaping the future of central Indiana.

Rob Hunden shared the strategic vision behind the Noblesville Events Arena, a key element of the Innovation Mile project, and how it’s more than just an entertainment venue. Hunden Partners completed a market analysis, financial feasibility, and economic impact study for the development, a thoughtfully planned investment that will drive long-term growth for Noblesville and the region.

The collaboration between the Indiana Pacers and the City of Noblesville reflects a comprehensive approach to community-building—creating a dynamic, mixed-use environment that will offer entertainment, dining, housing, and jobs of the future. Mayor Jenson highlighted how Noblesville, with its prime location and growth potential, is poised to become a major hub for innovation and development in the state.

Hunden Partners continues its work on visionary projects that prioritize not just infrastructure but the creation of a live-work-play-visit destination that will benefit communities for years to come.

Washington County releases its 30-year master plan. During Tuesday’s Washington County Commissioners meeting, Expo Director Harrison Williams discussed some of the specifics of the 30-year master plan, which is now posted on the Expo’s website, www.washingtoncountyexpo.com, for the public to view.

The long-term plan, created in-house using data from a market study performed by Hunden Partners, analyzes the current facilities at the Expo, provides recommendations for how and when those amenities should be enhanced or replaced, explores expansion opportunities, and shows cost projections associated with the upgrades.

Butler University will be home to Hilton’s first Curio property on a university campus after Hunden Partner’s market and financial feasibility study.

We are excited to share Hunden Partners‘ role in the adaptive reuse of Butler University’s historic Ross Hall into a boutique hotel under the Curio Collection by Hilton! This project is particularly significant, as it marks the first Curio property on a university campus and will be the first in Indiana—a milestone that beautifully blends Butler’s rich heritage with Hilton’s renowned hospitality.

We look forward to seeing the Curio Collection hotel become a cornerstone of the Butler Gateway Project and a new destination in midtown Indianapolis!

Fort Worth’s Future: A Strategic Expansion

The City of Fort Worth announced the next construction phase of the Fort Worth Convention Center expansion is expected to begin in 2026. The $606 million project will modernize the aging complex to meet the rapidly growing demands of Fort Worth.

Hunden Partners and Rob(in) Hunden have been at the forefront of this transformative effort, having conducted numerous studies over the past 20 years. A 2019 study projected $6.9 billion in new spending over the next 30 years from the expansion, including an additional 97,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 48,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and a 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom designed to accommodate larger conventions and drive economic impact.

As city leaders and stakeholders continue to champion this project, the expansion will redefine the City of Fort Worth’s downtown skyline and position the city as a premier destination for large-scale events and conventions. The expansion is more than just a building project—it’s a strategic investment in the city’s future.

Inc. Magazine released its Inc. 5000 list today!

Hunden Partners is ranked 2,622 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, placing us among the fastest-growing private companies in America! We are especially thrilled to rank 54 in real estate and 119 in Illinois. The ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.

“We’re so honored to be recognized by Inc. for our business growth and continued expansion,” says Rob(in) Hunden, CEO and Founder of Hunden Partners. “Without our amazing team, this achievement would not be possible. I am honored with this recognition, but even more, I’m grateful to be surrounded by talented, passionate professionals daily who made this growth possible.”

We’re honored to be part of this dynamic group of businesses shaping the future of our economy. Thank you to our clients, partners, and incredible team for helping us reach this milestone!

Hunden Partners Analyzes Philadelphia’s Arena Market: Can a National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) Arena Separately Exist without Long-term Public Support?

At Hunden, we support downtown development and projects that create synergistic walkable uses that generate a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors to live, work, and be entertained. However, our study in Philadelphia concerned how much the market can grow with two major arenas in the market, and if that growth is enough to support long-term private financing of renovations and rebuilds over the long haul. What is the net new impact to the city of Philadelphia? What are the likely long-term impacts? Our study tells a cautionary tale from other markets of similar strength that have developed separate NHL and NBA arenas. The downstream impacts can challenge both operations and the viability of the venues if conditions are not just right.

“We pride ourselves on just simply telling the truth based on the analytics that we figure out,” said Hunden Partners President and CEO Rob(in) Hunden, whose firm is one of the leaders in this niche of the sports world. “One client isn’t worth 20 years of credibility damage.”

Exciting developments are underway in Indianapolis, and the proposal is to create a new professional sports development area (PSDA). According to a comprehensive financial analysis conducted by Hunden Partners, this PSDA could potentially generate $2.1 billion in state and local tax revenue over the next 32 years.

Key findings from the Hunden report include:

• $1.7 billion from state income and sales taxes, with an annual cap of $9.5 million directed toward stadium construction bonds.
• $328.5 million in local income taxes and $193.3 million from countywide admissions and innkeepers’ taxes.
• Projections assume a 20,500-seat stadium opening in 2028, hosting an MLS team, a National Women’s Soccer League team, and additional events.

Our projections consider various scenarios, including base, optimal, conservative, and stress cases, to understand the potential revenue streams comprehensively. The optimal market scenario deemed the “best case,” projects tax revenue for the district’s use at $984.4 million over 32 years. Even the conservative case anticipates a substantial $728.8 million.

Hunden Partners: Leading the Way in Mixed-Use Development

We proudly announce that Hunden Partners has been named to Sports Business Journal’s Power Players list, recognizing our excellence in mixed-use development consulting.

Under the visionary leadership of CEO Rob(in) Hunden, Hunden Partners has been instrumental in the integration of sports and real estate, transforming stadium, arena, and convention center surroundings into vibrant, multi-functional districts. Our in-depth analyses, commitment to truth telling, and passion for placemaking make possible the innovative projects that enhance the gameday experience while creating thriving, year-round communities.

We thank Sports Business Journal for this recognition and our exceptional team for their dedication and placemaking efforts. Together, we are shaping the future of sports venues and destination development.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics commence today, we look ahead with anticipation to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, a city uniquely equipped to host this global spectacle. In a recent Coliseum News article, Hilary Ash, VP of Games Delivery and Venue Infrastructure for LA28, shared insights with Rob Hunden, CEO of Hunden Partners, on the transformative potential of these upcoming Games.

Hilary Ash brings a lifetime of experience and passion to LA28, overseeing the venue infrastructure and delivery. Her commitment to utilizing existing world-class venues, aligning with the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, ensures a sustainable and innovative approach to hosting the Games. These are – Solidarity, Digitalization, Sustainable Development, Credibility, and Economic and Financial Resilience.

Rob Hunden and Hunden Partners’ expertise in the economics of placemaking, especially in mixed-use stadium districts, further highlights the integral role of strategic urban planning in hosting such monumental events.

As we celebrate the Olympic spirit in Paris, it’s inspiring to see how cities like Los Angeles are leading the charge in creating sustainable, community-centered, and economically resilient environments. The 2028 Games promise not just a sporting spectacle but a celebration of LA’s heritage and its forward-looking vision.

What an incredible session yesterday morning! Rob Hunden, CEO of Hunden Partners, presented the annual State of the Industry (SOTI) report at the ALSD Conference in Los Angeles. This year’s report highlights the surge in new venues, big renovations, and mixed-use districts, including a spotlight on the elevation of college sports facilities.

Key insights:

• Nearly $10 billion in new or renovated major-league venues.
• Four new major league arenas and stadiums under construction, totaling $6.6 billion.
• Six major league facility renovations proposed or underway, with $3.2 billion invested.
• The shift in college sports to offer more diverse, amenity-rich experiences.

“It was an honor to present our eighth annual SOTI report, which includes more valuable information than ever,” says Rob Hunden.

Download the full ALSD State of the Industry deck here: https://hunden.com/downloads/

As shopping malls across the U.S. face challenges from the rise of online sales, the City of El Cajon is taking proactive steps to ensure the future vibrancy of Parkway Plaza, East County’s largest regional shopping mall.

The city commissioned a market analysis, resulting in two visionary redevelopment plans from Hunden Partners and 505 Design. These plans transform Parkway Plaza into a mixed-use district with residential, retail, office, entertainment, and community spaces. Imagine “eatertainment” facilities combining traditional dining with immersive sport-centered bars and dynamic lifestyle retail shops, all centered around a linear park.

Rob Hunden, CEO of Hunden Partners, highlighted the urgency: “You’re in that transition phase where if you let it go too long, it’s going to go in a direction you’re probably not too fond of, so it’s a great time to assess the situation and the opportunity.” 

Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), today announced nine recipients of the Destinations International Foundation Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) and Hospitality Scholarship. Each student will receive USD $8,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. To date, the foundation has raised more than USD $225,000 from individual and organization donors to support this program.

At Hunden Partners, we are committed to increasing access to tourism and destination real estate development careers for historically underrepresented populations. This is why we are excited to invest directly in the attendance of this year’s Destinations International Foundation’s Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) and Hospitality Scholarship recipients so they can attend DI’s Annual Conference in July. We look forward to meeting the scholarship recipients in Tampa and deepening our relationship with them through mentorship and networking during the conference and beyond. The support of this program, by numerous individuals, destination members, and partners, will foster workforce inclusion and provide invaluable opportunities, and we are happy to play a role in it.

Introducing our new ‘Powerhouse duo’ at Hunden Partners: Jay Burress, our new Executive Vice President of Tourism, and Bethanie DeRose, Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), our new Executive Vice President of Consulting. Both Jay and Bethanie bring a wealth of experience in destination planning and development, which will greatly benefit our firm.

Rob Hunden, CEO of Hunden Partners, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Jay and Bethanie to the team. The number of clients requesting placemaking plans, tourism strategies, and feasibility studies for catalytic destination assets continues to grow, so we are expanding our expertise and capacity with top industry leaders to meet the industry’s needs. Nobody is better equipped to advise our DMO clients of all budget sizes to lead the charge in tourism and placemaking as Jay can because he’s been in their shoes. Bethanie’s data-driven approach to consulting on tourism plans, convention center strategies, and destination organization advisory has delivered game-changing results. I can’t wait to create more impact in the communities we serve with the addition of this powerhouse duo.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jay and Bethanie to the team. The number of clients requesting placemaking plans, tourism strategies and feasibility studies for catalytic destination assets continues to grow, so we are expanding our expertise and capacity with top industry leaders to meet the industry’s needs,” says Hunden CEO and founder Rob Hunden. “Nobody is better equipped to advise our DMO clients of all budget sizes to lead the charge in tourism and placemaking in the way that Jay can because he’s been in their shoes. Bethanie’s data-driven approach to consulting on tourism plans, convention center strategies and destination organization advisory has delivered game-changing results. I can’t wait to create more impact in the communities we serve with the addition of this powerhouse duo.”

Led by President & CEO Rob Hunden, Hunden Partners is at the forefront of driving economic growth through sports tourism. We specialize in the strategic development of sports complexes and their surrounding ecosystems, transforming communities into vibrant, economically thriving centers. Over the past decade, sports tourism has seen unprecedented growth, particularly in the realm of youth sports complexes. At Hunden Partners, we recognize that merely building a sports facility is not enough. Our approach focuses on creating comprehensive, walkable destination districts that include shopping, dining, hotels, offices, and housing. These amenities ensure that the economic benefits of sports tourism stay within the community, enhancing local businesses and generating significant tax revenue. We believe in the power of placemaking. By developing destinations around sports complexes, we help communities capture the full economic potential of sports tourism.

Hunden, a full-service real estate development advisory practice, announced that its CEO and Founder, Robin “Rob” Hunden, has been selected to receive one of two prestigious 2024 Jeffrey D. Fisher Real Estate Legacy Awards from Indiana University‘s (IU) Kelley School of Business Center for Real Estate Studies. Phil Powell, Associate Professor and Executive Director of the Indiana Business Research Center, is the second recipient. The honorees will be officially presented with the awards at the IU Real Estate Alumni & Friends Dinner on April 25 at Newfields – Indianapolis Museum of Art. 

Rob’s dedication to education and service, demonstrated through creating scholarships, mentoring students, and serving on the Center’s advisory board, has positively impacted IU’s real estate program.

Six musical theatre majors were awarded the Robin Scott Hunden Musical Theatre Scholarship for the current academic year.

“I grew up singing and performing through college, and while I didn’t pursue the performing arts as a career, I continue to love and appreciate the positive impact that the arts have on individuals and communities,” says Rob Hunden, CEO and Founder of Hunden Partners, and Founder of the Hunden Musical Theatre Scholarship. “The arts can be a catalyst for placemaking, community-building, and belonging. I’m delighted to help provide opportunities for college students to pursue their artistic careers.”

To date, Rob Hunden has donated more than $20,000 to support Ball State students. The scholarship was established in 2015, with the first recipients receiving funding in the 2017-2018 academic year. The program is structured to award scholarships to students in the Musical Theatre program, with at least one sophomore, junior, and senior each receiving financial support per academic year. Students are eligible to receive the scholarship for multiple years: both Jaylen Bryan and Mitchell Takeda are two-time recipients. On top of the scholarship program, Hunden has covered additional costs for students related to musical theatre careers, including travel costs to New York for auditions. Past recipients have appeared on stage in productions such as “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” on Broadway and the “Six” U.S. national tour.

On Tuesday, March 12th, at the P3 Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, we’ll delve into the captivating story of the University of Kansas Gateway District, a groundbreaking mixed-use and public-private partnership (P3) stadium success story in the making. Hunden Partners will collaborate with the University of Kansas to discuss the development of the University of Kansas Gateway Project. Our panel will feature insights from KU staff Heather Blanck, Chief Procurement Officer; Jeff DeWitt, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice Chancellor, Finance; and Hunden’s Steve Haemmerle, EVP Advisory Services.

Join us at the P3 Conference & Expo and discover how this visionary, groundbreaking project is intended to transform the north entrance to KU’s campus into a vibrant destination, enhance recruitment efforts, and provide economic benefits to Kansas.

Mixed-use opportunities: What’s behind teams, cities, and developers targeting minor league markets? From Richmond, Virginia, to Omaha, Nebraska, cities have embraced mixed-use developments centered around sports stadiums, catering to evolving community needs. According to the President and CEO of Hunden Partners, Rob(in) Hunden, the placemaking trend that revitalized major cities has now reached second and third-tier markets.

Check out Bret McCormick’s column in the most recent Sports Business Journal magazine, which examines the spillover of the sports venue-adjacent mixed-use development concept into minor league markets. Join the discussion on the future of sports-driven urban revitalization and be at the forefront of this captivating topic.

While Daytona Beach is known for NASCAR, Volusia County could become an attraction for motocross racing. Hunden Partners was hired to conduct a feasibility study on building a motocross facility in Volusia County. The feasibility study looks at a facility with two full-sized competitive motocross tracks, a minimum of 50 RV slips with electric and water hookups, 750 general parking spaces, concession and bathroom facilities and a training facility or pro shop.

Rob Hunden‘s expertise, honed through 75 to 100 annual projects, offers a compelling narrative of progress and potential on the ever-evolving landscape of sports venues annually as a member of Coliseum Global Sports Venue Alliance. He tells ‘Coliseum’ that the venue industry is in a constant state of flux – “Everything changes every week. Every day that goes by, another venue announces they might be renovating or considering leaving Chicago or any other place in the United States… We have got lots of new mixed-use districts developments coming around. So they are really trying to put all the placemaking together, which is what we love and what we love to do. With our clients, we have put together these awesome places that people want to live-work-play-visit.”

See his Coliseum Conference 2023 State of the Industry PowerPoint on our downloads page, and join the conversation on the future of venues at this year’s US Coliseum Summit, which will be happening this June in Kansas City. You won’t want to miss it!

Imagination Theater’s initiatives inspired CEO Rob Hunden and Hunden Partners to fund an Imagination Theater residency program at Chicago’s Frank W Reilly Elementary. Hunden has partnered with and supported Imagination Theater for nearly twenty years with a commitment to elevate a safe, positive, and memorable environment, not only in our communities for residents and visitors but also in schools. The initiative focuses on developing empathy and emotional intelligence, crucial skills for preventing bullying and social isolation. So, just as Hunden Partners believes in transforming places, we also support organizations who believe in transforming lives.

Hunden Partners is set to play a pivotal advisory and planning role in transforming Waco, Texas, after being selected to lead placemaking feasibility analysis efforts for multiple projects across the city.  The market and financial feasibility work will focus on the opportunity for a new convention center, Minor League Baseball stadium, and mixed-use entertainment district, as well as an analysis of future utilization and opportunity for all outdoor ballfields. It is an exciting opportunity to partner with the city and plan for projects that hold the power to enhance the experience of living, working, and visiting the city.

President & CEO Rob Hunden is optimistic about the impact of these projects, stating, “The City of Waco is primed for a placemaking renaissance. The master plan will usher in a new era for the city, elevating the quality of life for residents, boosting local businesses, and attracting tourism from around the nation.”

The market analysis and feasibility study considers a potential Waco Convention Center (WCC) rebuild to anchor the mixed-use district. Waco is a central meeting location between major metropolitan areas in Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, and Houston, and the city has the opportunity to benefit from the growing meeting and convention demand in the area.

Another key component of the plan is an examination of sports and entertainment opportunities, including consideration of a new Minor League Baseball stadium and complimentary outdoor event spaces. The environment around a sports venue determines its likelihood of attracting a new team and bringing in a steady base of attendees. As such, Hunden will evaluate the feasibility of new and existing hotel spaces, retailers, restaurants, residential units, office space, parking garage structures, and outdoor spaces such as a boat house and river access.

Great news from the City of Cincinnati  – Ohio awards critical grant to Cincinnati Convention Center headquarters hotel project.

Portman Holdings, on behalf of the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp and the City of Cincinnati, hired Hunden Partners to complete a market demand, financial feasibility, and economic impact study for the development of a new full-service headquarters hotel in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. We are thrilled our work on a market and financial feasibility study supported PORTMAN and 3CDC in securing $40 million in state incentives, and are excited to follow the progress of a new headquarters hotel!

Hunden Partners has just unveiled its “Top Ten Sports Host Cities” list, a crucial guide for city leaders, DMOs, and decision-makers. The list, derived from a comprehensive analysis of 50+ major U.S. metropolitan areas over three decades, highlights the impact of hosting televised sports events. It’s a game-changer for destination real estate and economic growth strategies!

Charting a decade of economic influence, Hunden Partners unveils impactful findings from the KFC Yum! Center study.

In partnership with Louisville Tourism and the Louisville Arena Authority, Hunden Partners played a pivotal role in conducting an in-depth economic impact study focused on the KFC Yum! Center. Our comprehensive analysis, which spans 2015 through 2023, uncovers the evolving economic landscape influenced by this iconic venue.

Hunden Partners worked to provide a comprehensive market analysis for a proposed state-of-the-art athletic complex set to replace The Dalles’ Kramer Fields. Hunden’s recommendations feature an array of sports fields, diamonds, and courts, shaping The Dalles to become a regional sports hub.