Back to list October 01, 2018 CAEDC Tourism Grant Assists with Funding for The Barn at Creek’s Bend CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (October 1, 2018) – The Carlisle Sports Emporium has been awarded a Tourism Product Development Grant for the addition of a new meeting venue titled The Barn at Creek’s Bend from the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) for $76,000. The Carlisle Sports Emporium purchased its property in 1992, including a historic 1891 dairy barn. The barn was initially the main headquarters for the Carlisle Sports Emporium until 1996, when the main building opened, which houses the indoor go-kart track, the BRAND NEW LED 7,500 sq. ft. LASERTRON Laser Tag arena, 20,000 sq. ft. arcade, a roller skating rink and the Victory Lane Café. The Carlisle Sports Emporium recognized the need for a venue to host larger group events of 200+ people. The need was in fact great, not only at their facility but in the surrounding area. They’ve decided to repurpose and renovate their barn to capture business for corporate outings, team building, conventions, weddings, and other social events. “One of our primary reasons for moving forward with this venture was the need for a larger quality event space, both at our facility and in the region. Because of its proximity, the barn enables companies or larger groups to have the opportunity to meet, work and play,” said Keith Plasterer, President of the Carlisle Sports Emporium. “While we have added modern features, we worked hard to maintain the original barn characteristics and meticulously kept true to it’s era of architecture.” The historic renovated barn will accommodate up to 300 people on the main floor, 190 on the lower floor, and another 300+ on the deck. Features of the barn include spacious seating areas, an outdoor patio with a 360-degree stone surround fireplace, a large deck, vaulted ceilings, breathtaking chandeliers, original stone walls and wooden beams. The Barn will be equipped with full SVL and climate control. The Barn at Creek’s Bend will be working with local caterers like The JDK Group, Premier Caterers, Strock Enterprises and many more. The Barn at Creek’s Bend is expected to open in December this year. Click here to find more details and to book an event at The Barn. If you are interested in a private tour, email [email protected]. The tourism product development grant will assist with table and chairs for the main floor, kitchen/serving area equipment, a sound, video and lighting system, and tables with attached seating for the deck area. “After conducting the Destination Sales Study in 2016, one of the items that was recommended was the need for more meeting space,” said Valerie Copenhaver, CAEDC Senior Director of Marketing & Tourism. “We are thrilled to have this new unique venue to market. The location of the meeting space next to Carlisle Sports Emporium provides opportunities for corporate meetings to add team building activities and weddings to add excitement to their already fun-filled day.” To learn more about grant and low-interest loan options for tourism-related projects, please contact Valerie Copenhaver at 717-240-7193 or [email protected]. About CAEDC CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
