Our annual overview of some of the country’s leading new sports facilities
There’s no shortage of new sports facilities across the country, bringing updated spaces for games, events, and community use. From multi-field parks and downtown ballparks to surf lagoons and indoor arenas, these venues are built to handle more than just competition. Many include flexible layouts, group spaces, and mixed-use development that connect sports with entertainment, tourism, and local business growth.
This roundup highlights recent openings that are changing how communities plan and host events, giving sports planners more options for tournaments, gatherings, and year-round programming in a range of settings.
Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center
Janesville, Wisc.
Opened: September 2025
The Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center is a versatile hub for competitive athletics and large-scale events. The 140,000-square-foot complex is designed to host everything from local leagues to international tournaments, with flexible space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, gymnastics, and wrestling. Its premier ice rink—home to the Janesville Jets—adds capacity for hockey games, skating exhibitions, and figure skating programs.
The facility includes bleacher seating, locker rooms, meeting spaces, and a press box, along with a concession area, electronic scoreboards, and a full public address system. Free parking, Wi-Fi, and accessible design further support its role as a year-round venue for tournaments, training camps, and community events.
Fast Facts
- Multipurpose Arena has 23,000 square feet of seasonally convertible space for conferences and events
- Seating for 864 at round tables, or 1,554 theater seating, or 82 trade show booths
- Adjustable space for multisport use with seating for 250 spectators
- Robert & Delores Kennedy Convention Center has 25,800 square feet of space for trade shows, conventions, expos, banquets, and community events
- Athletic use for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, open gym, turf, and more
- Seating for 1,000 at round tables, 1,800 theater seating, or 110 trade show booths
- Mercyhealth Arena has year-round ice with stadium seating for 1,500
Planner perk: Strategically located just minutes from Interstate 39/90 and adjacent to Uptown Janesville shopping center, the center provides convenient access to a variety of hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit for athletes, spectators, and event participants.
More info: woodmanscenter.com
The Davis Center at the Harlem Meer
New York, N.Y.
Opened: April 25, 2025
The Davis Center at the Harlem Meer is emerging as a year-round hub for sports and community activity at the northern end of Central Park. Anchored by a state-of-the-art pool, ice rink, and multiuse turf field, the facility supports a wide range of programming, from fitness classes and youth sports to cultural events and seasonal recreation.
Set along the restored shoreline of the Harlem Meer, the center provides access to nature and offers indoor and outdoor gathering spaces designed for flexibility and public use. With an emphasis on affordability and inclusivity, the Davis Center expands recreational opportunities for local residents while reinforcing its role as a welcoming destination for everyone year-round.
Fast Facts
- Gottesman Rink for skating, hockey, and lessons
- Gottesman Pool open during summer months
- The Green at Davis Center is available for seasonal programming
- Year-round fitness, wellness, and cultural events
- Indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces
- On-site restrooms and weekend snack bar (Settepani on the Meer)
Planner perk: The facility converts from an ice rink in winter to a pool in summer and a turf field in spring and fall, allowing event organizers to schedule programming year-round without needing multiple venues.
More info: daviscenter.centralparknyc.org
Placer Valley Soccer Complex
Roseville, Calif.
Opened: March 8, 2025
The Placer Valley Soccer Complex is the latest addition to the city’s growing parks system, designed to support competition, recreation, and sports tourism. Located in west Roseville, the all-weather complex features 10 lighted synthetic turf fields adaptable for multiple sports, making it a regional draw for tournaments and league play.
Beyond the fields, the facility emphasizes accessibility and community use, with connected pathways, two plazas, and a universally accessible playground. Gathering areas enhanced by public art encourage social interaction, while amenities such as ample parking and electric vehicle charging stations cater to both athletes and spectators. The result is a modern venue that balances high-performance play with an inclusive, visitor-friendly experience.
Fast Facts
- 10 lighted turf fields configurable for multiple sports; can be divided for youth play
- Approximately 950 parking spaces, including accessible and EV charging
- Universally accessible playground with sensory features, shade, and nearby restroom
- Perimeter loop path for walking, jogging, and biking with easy site connections
- Central walkway linking plazas, fields, parking, and amenities
- Shaded seating areas throughout for comfort between games
Planner perk: The Roseville Automall North and South plazas serve as central gathering areas, offering restrooms, shaded picnic seating, and space for food trucks during events.
More info: roseville.ca.gov/prl/parks_recreation/parks_places/placer_valley_soccer_complex.php
Bowers Park Pickleball Courts
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Opened: March 23, 2026
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, continues to grow its sports and recreation offerings with the opening of the new Bowers Park Pickleball Courts. The new complex features 19 courts—including three covered courts—along with updated lighting, enhanced security cameras, and a new restroom facility. Part of the city’s broader Elevate Tuscaloosa initiative, the project expands opportunities for both residents and visitors while strengthening Tuscaloosa’s appeal as a destination for active outdoor recreation and pickleball tournaments.
Fast Facts
- Three covered courts provide shade and protection from rain delays
- New LED lighting supports evening matches and extended play hours
- Enhanced security camera system improves safety throughout the complex
- Dedicated outdoor restroom facility adds convenience for players and spectators
- Court layout accommodates players of all skill levels, from casual games to organized tournaments
Planner perk: The addition of three covered courts at Bowers Park gives tournament planners added scheduling flexibility and weather protection, helping events stay on track during heat or rain while accommodating year-round play and extended competition hours.
More info: tcpara.org/p/bowers-park
Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile
Noblesville, Ind.
Opened: August 8, 2025
Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue anchoring Hamilton County’s growing sports and entertainment scene. Opened in August 2025, the arena seats about 3,500 and serves as home to the Noblesville Boom, the G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers. Designed for flexibility, the facility hosts athletic competitions, concerts, and private events. With modern amenities, premium gathering spaces, and proximity to Indianapolis, the arena is poised to become a regional destination capable of attracting visitors from across much
of the United States.
Fast Facts
- 3,500-seat multipurpose arena for sports and events
- Home of the Noblesville Boom (NBA G League)
- Grand Hall with 16 LED screens and capacity for up to 300 guests
- VIP club space with suites, bar stations, and arena views for up to 100 guests
- Four locker rooms with attached bathrooms
- Full catering kitchen and multiple meeting rooms
- Center-hung scoreboard and attached parking garage
- Within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population
Planner perk: Exclusive full-venue rentals with integrated event spaces (arena floor, Grand Hall, and VIP areas) allow planners to host games, meetings, and hospitality functions seamlessly under one roof.
More info: arenainnovationmile.com
Atlantic Park Surf
Virginia Beach, Va.
Opened: August 16, 2025
Atlantic Park Surf is a first-of-its-kind destination in North America, featuring high-performance sport with coastal leisure. Centered on the Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon, the 4.3-acre facility generates up to 1,000 waves per hour, ranging from one to six feet to accommodate all skill levels. As the only human-made wave park of its kind located near the ocean, it offers both authenticity and reliability. A vibrant beach club, on-site dining, and adjacent lodging create a full-service environment, positioning Atlantic Park Surf as a versatile venue for recreation, tourism, and organized group events.
Fast Facts
- Programmable waves (one to six feet) for all skill divisions
- Up to 1,000 waves per hour for high-throughput scheduling
- Designed for competitions, training camps, and group bookings
- Lagoon-side beach club for spectators and hospitality
- Private event spaces for meetings and functions
- Reliable, weather-independent surf conditions
Planner perk: Group packages bundle surf sessions, private spaces, and beach club access, making it easy to host team outings, corporate events, or large groups with a seamless, all-in-one experience.
More info: atlanticparksurf.com
Fifth Third Park
Spartanburg, S.C.
Opened: April 1, 2025
Fifth Third Park in Spartanburg is a $75 million minor league baseball stadium anchoring a major downtown redevelopment. Home to the Hub City Spartanburgers, the venue has helped reshape the city’s urban core with surrounding housing, retail, dining, and hospitality development. Beyond baseball, the ballpark is designed as a flexible event space for concerts, meetings, and community gatherings, with panoramic views of downtown Spartanburg. Its integration into a larger $425 million district positions it as both a sports destination and a catalyst for continued economic growth.
Fast Facts
- Seats up to 8,000 for baseball games and large events
- Multiple configurable event spaces, including concourse and field access
- Field area spans approximately 90,000 square feet for concerts and festivals
- Full ballpark buyouts available for large-scale private events
- Surrounding mixed-use district includes apartments, hotel, retail, and dining
- Open-air concourse with covered weather protection and skyline views
- Designed for sports, entertainment, and civic programming
Planner perk: Multi-venue flexibility allows planners to combine on-field experiences, premium clubs, and open concourse spaces, making it easy to scale from small corporate gatherings to full-stadium events.
More info: fifththirdpark.com
