Visual Concepts Inc.

After reading the recent selection of Springfield to Forbes Fastest Dying Cities I have a suggestion for the Springfield area. Why don’t you become “Basketball City, USA.” Springfield has a long rich history of innovation. One of the most important is the Dr. Naismith’s invention of the game of basketball at Springfield College. Because of this Springfield is the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame! But why stop there? Why not make all of the downtown themed after the great game that is played around the world!

Here are just a few of my ideas. Theme all the downtown streets after members of the Hall of Fame, Larry Bird Drive, and Magic Johnson Lane! Paint basketballs on the streets and murals on appropriate walls. Build outside basketball courts along Main St. with lighting for night games. It would be great to have projection systems with basketball footage projected around the courts and the city. There would need to be a number of restaurant/bar establishments as well. The big point is to make the City of Springfield part of the experience of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

With the loss of manufacturing Springfield has to really consider re-branding its image. Everyday many travel through Springfield on Route 91. There has to be a compelling reason for them to stop and experience what Springfield has to offer. Basketball City, USA can be the ticket!

Ric Serrenho