KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The idea of a 100,000-square-foot+ sports complex is on the table in Kalamazoo, Mich.
As reported by MLive.com, a recent feasibility study suggests such a facility could generate $1 billion for the local economy over the next 20 years.
According to the article, the cost of the youth sports complex would be around $40 million. However, many key details, such as location and funding sources, are still yet to be ironed out.
Brian Persky of Discover Kalamazoo told MLive.com that youth participation in sports is “exploding,” but many places in the country haven’t or have not kept up with the demand, and now facilities like this are being developed at a quick rate.
According to the study, the complex would likely need to be 100,000 to 140,000 square feet, with features such as an artificial turf area and eight to 12 basketball courts (which could convert into 16 to 24 volleyball courts). The article states organizers of the study heard from the local basketball and volleyball communities that there is a lack of large space for tournaments in the city.
Discover Kalamazoo has sent out an RFP to hire a firm for site selection and is currently considering bids. Perksy told MLive.com that there are seven or eight sites they believe are “potentially realistic options.”
While the study looked at the demand for volleyball and basketball, the article states the facility would be designed to accommodate other sports such as pickleball and also non-sports events.
