D1 Spartanburg Reaches New Heights In Community As It Prepares For Opening | D1 Daily

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With D1 Spartanburg opening on July 7, the staff has been hard at work preparing for its new members.

And from a pickleball tournament to minor league baseball games, General Manager Connor Jackson has been out and about in the community, showing residents how D1 can help them.

D1 caught up with Connor to find how things have been going in the leadup to Spartanburg's grand opening...

I saw that you were part of the Pickle Smash and Burger Bash. How did that idea come to be?

We’ve been very intentional about finding local events where we can show up and engage with the community. We came across the Pickle Smash & Burger Bash through a local Instagram page that acts almost like a digital chamber of commerce for Spartanburg. After seeing them promote the event, we reached out through social media, connected with the event coordinator, and were able to get involved. It was a great opportunity to get the D1 brand in front of new faces!

I also saw you did a vertical challenge. For fun, do you remember the best vertical there?

Yessir — 30.5 inches! We had a great time with it. It definitely brought out the competitive side in everyone!

I also saw you’ve partnered with the Hub City Spartanburgers baseball team. How did that partnership take place?

This was a no-brainer for us! We knew that the Spartanburgers are a key part of the local sports and family scene. I actually found the contact through the MiLB website, reached out to their Partnership Coordinator, and from there we were invited to the stadium and worked out a great deal. We’re excited to have D1 Spartanburg present at their games and involved in the community that way.

How does it feel to be out at these different events and socializing with the community? What’s your favorite part?

It’s been incredible — these events really bring the business to life in the community. My favorite part is getting to serve — whether it’s helping run a 5k/10k, or just being present and engaging with families at the Pickle Smash tournament. Events like this also give me a chance to step out of the day-to-day presale grind and reconnect with why we’re doing this: to serve Spartanburg and make an impact. It keeps me energized and motivated!

How do you think these events help D1 Spartanburg, especially since you’re opening soon?

Absolutely — they’re key! The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s not just about the event itself, but how you promote and leverage it. For example, even though the Pickle Smash wasn’t the most ideal event in terms of direct leads, we used it as a major brand trust and visibility play:

• We promoted it ahead of time through GPS and Social Media

• We posted while at the event

• We did a big social wrap-up afterward

That kind of consistent storytelling builds trust and awareness — and absolutely helps with lead gen and building momentum as we get closer to opening.

What are your goals for D1 Spartanburg?

I want D1 Spartanburg to be undeniable — a brand and a training experience that speaks for itself in this community. Our mission is simple: to serve Spartanburg and change lives through training. Whether it’s youth athletes, adults, or entire teams, we want to be known for delivering real results, fostering a positive culture, and making D1 a cornerstone of the local fitness and sports scene.

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D1 Daily is produced by Dom Bonvissuto & Ty Wellemeyer