Empowering Blythewood's Future & Beyond

A Legacy of Loyalty!!

Movie Gallery opened in Blythewood in the late 1990s, serving as a hub for families, students, and neighbors to enjoy movies and video games together. In 2010, we made the difficult decision to close the store due to the decline in physical media rentals and the rise of digital streaming. Even so, the Blythewood location left a lasting mark on the community, and we are proud to have been part of its history.

We founded The Blythewood Economic Development and Tourism with one goal — to make a real difference in our town’s growth and future. Blythewood has the people, potential, and passion to build something extraordinary, and we are committed to helping that vision come to life.

While challenges may arise, our focus will not waver. We stand united in our mission to grow the economy, empower local businesses, and create opportunities that bring people together.

Together with our residents, business owners, and community partners, we will shape a future we can all be proud of. Join us — because when we work together, Blythewood thrives.

— The Board of Directors —
The Blythewood Economic Development and Tourism

Our initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, leveraging extensive experience in urban planning and community development.

Our strategic vision has led to the successful implementation of projects that attract new businesses and enhance the local economy.

We will be promoting unique attractions and experiences, utilizing our background in tourism management to drive visitor engagement.

Our efforts has significantly increased awareness of local events and destinations, contributing to a vibrant tourism sector.

We will focus on building relationships with local stakeholders and residents, ensuring that community voices are heard in economic and tourism planning.

Our commitment to fostering collaboration has resulted in successful partnerships that enhance community involvement and support local initiatives.

Current Initiatives for Blythewood

The Blythewood Economic and Tourism Board of Directors is excited to announce several new projects aimed at

enhancing our community's infrastructure, recreational facilities, and tourism appeal. We are committed to securing

funding and implementing initiatives that will foster growth and engagement in Blythewood.

BLYTHEWOOD CONVENTION CENTER

SEMI-PRO BASKETBALL TEAM

Our strategic growth initiatives include building the Blythewood Convention Center and establishing the Blythewood Blazers Semi-Pro Basketball Team.

The Convention Center will position Blythewood as a premier destination for conferences, trade shows, entertainment events, and regional gatherings, driving tourism, supporting local businesses, and creating new economic opportunities. Based on comparable facilities throughout the Southeast, a modern, mid-sized convention center is projected to require an estimated capital investment ranging from approximately $24 million to $54 million, depending on size, design, infrastructure, parking, and site development.

Once fully operational and stabilized (typically 3–5 years after opening), projected annual gross revenue could range between $3 million and $8 million, depending on booking volume and regional demand. After operating expenses estimated between $2.5 million and $5 million annually, the Convention Center could potentially generate a net operating surplus of $500,000 to $3 million per year in a strong performance scenario.

In addition to direct revenue, the broader economic impact — including hotel occupancy, restaurant sales, retail activity, and tourism spending — could generate several million dollars annually in indirect economic benefit to the local economy.

The Blythewood Blazers Semi-Pro Basketball Team will bring high-energy sports entertainment to our community, create opportunities for local athletes, engage families, and build hometown pride.

The estimated startup investment for launching a semi-professional basketball franchise ranges between $300,000 and $850,000, covering league franchise fees, branding, marketing, equipment, insurance, and initial payroll reserves. The projected annual operating budget is estimated between $500,000 and $1.2 million.

With strong community support and sponsorship development, annual gross revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, concessions partnerships, and youth camps could range from $400,000 to $1.5 million. In a well-managed scenario, the team could generate an estimated annual net profit between $100,000 and $300,000, though early years may operate near break-even as the brand builds momentum.



Each initiative is designed to strengthen community engagement, attract visitors, stimulate economic growth, and create lasting assets that serve both residents and guests for generations to come.

Together, the Convention Center represents a long-term economic infrastructure investment capable of generating multi-million-dollar annual impact, while the Blythewood Blazers provide a lower-capital, faster-launch initiative capable of near-term profitability and strong community activation.

Events For The Blythewood Community

Segra Park (Fireflies)

Baseball Games

Located in the heart of Columbia's Bullstreet District, Segra Park is a year round event venue.

Spirit Communications Park

Blythewood Farmers Market

Great Opportunity to Network

Explore fresh produce, handmade goods, and local delicacies at this weekly market.