Faces of Sports Tourism: Andrew Marks

Highlighting the best and brightest of the sports tourism industry

The Faces of Sports Tourism series showcases the best and brightest of the industry, establishing a closer connection between sports event planners and the destinations that host their tournaments. With us for this edition is Andrew Marks, sales manager at the Office of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Lynchburg.

Be sure to Learn More About Lynchburg Sports Facilities

Andrew’s background

I was born and raised in the Mid-Ohio Valley on both sides of the Ohio River in Ohio and also West Virginia until I was 15, and then my parents moved us to the Lynchburg, VA area. I was highly involved in music programs, like marching band, concert band and jazz band, and wanted to become a band director. I graduated in 2005 from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Music and after an almost six-month, long-term substitute teaching position, I realized very quickly that wasn’t the career for me. That was when I found my footing in the hospitality industry and held various positions at the Hilton Garden Inn here in Lynchburg for nearly 10 years.

How did you get into your current role as Sales Manager?

I first began with the Office of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Lynchburg back in November 2017 as the Tourism Sales Coordinator where I focused primarily on the group tour and travel and government meetings markets. In October 2021, I was promoted to Sales Manager after the departure of our previous manager. I sell to all markets now, so with traveling to shows and various sales missions, along with my other day to day tasks, my ability to multitask and be organized has to be on point daily.

What would you consider your favorite part about your job?

I love showcasing everything that Lynchburg has to offer and hearing visitors say “I never knew that there was so much to do and see here.” Also, I really like to close the deal on an event and be able to talk about the potential economic impact that it will have on our city.

What’s your favorite sport to play or watch?

I enjoy watching sports more than playing them and can watch just about any of them. I most enjoy watching football, tennis, college basketball and the Olympics—both summer and winter.

Lynchburg thrives as a sports destination for its premier facilities, local culture and natural beauty.

Who do you root for?

Being from Ohio, it was instilled in us to always root for the Buckeyes, Browns and Bengals. I also cheer on Liberty University—go Flames!—as they are my alma mater and one of the five universities in Lynchburg.

What is Lynchburg building or renovating right now?

The City of Lynchburg is building a brand-new amphitheater at Riverfront Park, which will be a great place for festivals and special events. Lynchburg City Stadium just had the field turf replaced and Peaks View Park will be having some new lights installed on a couple of the flat fields.

Recent and upcoming events in Lynchburg:

Lynchburg is excited to host the Professional Disc Golf Association 2024 PDGA Pro Worlds in August; which will be the first time this event has ever been hosted in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A few other events on the docket are the C-USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, Atlantic Lacrosse Conference Championships, our first United Flag Football League event and The Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University.