STARKVILLE, Miss. – The official grand opening of the Cornerstone Sports Center took place at the 124-acre park on Oct. 13.
Mayor Lynn Spruill, current and past aldermen, and other city leaders cut the ribbon in front of Cornerstone’s Main Pavilion. More than 200 residents attended the ceremony.
Spruill opened the ceremony under the main pavilion by greeting guests and thanking the residents, city officials, and sponsors for backing the project over its lifetime. Parks and Recreation director Brandon Doherty and Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) founder and CEO Jason Clement also spoke before the ribbon cutting.
Doherty stressed the importance of working together towards this accomplishment, while Clement expressed that even though SFC manages more than 2,000 facilities, this one stands out. “This complex is special. There isn’t another one like this, and it doesn’t happen by accident,” he says. “This complex is going to improve the … physical, spiritual, mental, and social health of Starkville, and it’s going to contribute to the city’s economic vitality.”
After speeches and the ribbon cutting, those in attendance could take a golf cart or walking tour of the facility and fields. Branded giveaways were provided to attendees, including cookies, cups, water bottles, fans, baseballs, and softballs.
“It could not have been a better start to see children playing on the playground, the smiles and enthusiasm from residents, and pride from our sponsors,” says Erica Rivers, marketing and sponsorship manager for Parks and Recreation and SFC. “What an incredible day. We are already enjoying serving our community.”
