SPRINGFIELD – On Monday night, the Springfield City Council discussed the possibility of a new sports complex in collaboration with Travel Lane County in order to address seasonal tourism.
Tourism brings $1.1 billion in visitor spending to Lane County and supports one in nine jobs. That money goes to support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses on Main Street, and its visitors bring a “great vibe to the community,” according to Samara Phelps, TLC president and CEO.
Phelps said the addition of a sports complex is designed to address two problems: winter volatility and an indoor court shortage. Because of annual drops in tourism from November through March, hotel occupancy in Lane County drops sharply. She also noted that sports families in Springfield, Cottage Grove, Florence, and the McKenzie Valley currently travel hours for tournaments.
“Even with the great work of Willamalane and the activation of the Bob Keefer Center, youth need a place to practice, play, and compete,” Phelps said.
Data from TLC shows that hotel stays drop by 30-50% lower during the winter months. The addition of a sports complex would significantly improve seasonality numbers and attract regional tourism year-round.
“This is the demand generator that seems most economically resilient and most relevant to our community,” she said.
The complex
The structure would be approximately 131,000 square feet, plus parking and site development. This is equivalent to about eight basketball courts, which could be converted into 16 volleyball courts, or flat floor space for mat sports like cheer and dance competitions. In contrast, the Bob Keefer Center is roughly 100,000 square feet.
Weekday use would be utilized by locals as an affordable, accessible community space for Springfield and the surrounding region. On weekends, tournaments would drive economic activity, with an estimated 37 tournaments per year at stabilization.
Phelps said the structure and equipment will cost $60 million, excluding the land purchase. This price is comparable to similar complexes, given inflationary pressures.
After three years, the complex will be able to sustain operating costs, and after year five, it will be operationally sustainable and generate revenue. She predicts the complex would generate $21 million in annual direct visitor spending, concentrated in winter, when the region needs it most.
Where the complex is proposed to go is still under consideration. TLC is evaluating three potential locations: the Lane Events Center and West 5th in Eugene, and the former Royal Caribbean building in Springfield. If selected, 1000 Royal Caribbean Way in Springfield would utilize an adaptive reuse scenario to transform the current building.
Phelps said those spaces were identified through market scans last fall about facilities that could meet the requirements of a sports facilities company.
Councilor Andrew Buck voiced concerns about potential competition with Willamalane facilities, but Phelps said TLC has benefited from Willamalane and Kidsports’ help.
The project has already been shared with Rotary, the Chamber, City Club, and the Board of County Commissioners.
Phelps said it has received strong interest; people see the need in the community and like the idea of something transformational.
“The support of Springfield will be important to bringing this into our community,” she said.
TLC and the county have engaged in a shared governance partnership charter, a request for proposal for a lead feasibility consultant has been issued, and a memorandum of understanding is being developed.
Mayor Sean VanGordon suggested further engagement or partnerships with Willamalane and Kidsports.
