The Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau has officially trademarked The Sports Capital of Tennessee® to set Rutherford County apart from the booming sports market competition.

The process of trademarking Rutherford County as The Sports Capital of Tennessee® began in February 2014, with an application filing that took several months to complete. Official trademark rights were received in October from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

"This phrase will enhance our tourism efforts in marketing Rutherford County as a sports destination, and will separate us from the competition," said Barbara Wolke, vice president of the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Tourism-related spending in Rutherford County in 2013 increased from $272.88 to $291.52 million, placing Rutherford County in the top 10 counties across the state for travel-related expenditures. A surge in sporting events has contributed greatly to this growth."

Events such as TSSAA State Championships in bowling, girls' and boys' basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, girls' and boys' soccer, volleyball, cheerleading and dance, along with Bash in the Boro soccer tournaments, AAU girls' and boys' basketball tournaments, Tennessee Summer Exposure softball tournament, Tennessee Cup soccer tournament, BPA baseball tournament, and numerous Conference USA tournaments make Rutherford County a sports destination for thousands each year.

Rutherford County boasts first-rate facilities such as the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex, Old Fort Park Tennis, Tennessee Miller Coliseum, multiple baseball and softball complexes, six public golf courses, bowling centers, soccer parks, and disc golf courses. Middle Tennessee State University's track, baseball and football stadiums and the newly renovated Murphy Center also complement the county's sport facility offerings.

Murfreesboro has been named one of the Best Sports Cities in the U.S. by Sporting News, and one of Livability's Top 10 Soccer Cities, along with a host of other accolades.