The latest sports facility news, venue developments and infrastructure investments shaping the sports industry
Stay ahead of the game and discover cutting-edge innovations in the latest sports facility news.
Florida unveils plans for a $1.45B renovation of major stadium
Florida Athletics has unveiled plans for a transformative $1.45 billion renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, a project designed to preserve the tradition and atmosphere of “The Swamp” while positioning the venue for the future. Construction is expected to begin after the 2026 season and conclude before the 2030 offseason, with capacity remaining at 88,548.
The redevelopment will modernize the fan experience through expanded concourses, upgraded concessions and restrooms, enhanced accessibility, premium hospitality offerings, and new video and audio technology. Plans also include 63 additional suites, upgraded premium seating areas, infrastructure improvements, and more than $500 million in deferred maintenance and ADA-related upgrades.
University leaders view the project as a long-term investment in Florida Athletics’ future. Expected to generate an additional $65 million in annual revenue, the renovation will be funded through a combination of private donations, capital reserves, project-generated revenues, and long-term financing, helping support the university’s 21-sport athletic program for decades to come.
Over $180M invested in Phoenix’s new sports facility set to open in Fall 2026
Phoenix, Arizona, is preparing to welcome Fire ’n’ Ice Sports Arena, a multimillion-dollar sports and education complex scheduled to open in Fall 2026. The development will feature two NHL-regulation ice rinks, basketball courts, a fitness center, dining venues and a boutique hotel, creating a year-round destination for athletes, families and visitors. Project leaders say the facility addresses a growing demand for ice sports infrastructure while expanding recreation opportunities in the region.
A key component of the project is the integrated SSS Academy, which combines athletic training with academic support for high school students pursuing college and sports opportunities. The academy will offer study halls, educational resources and flexible learning options designed to help students balance academic studies and competition.
Beyond youth development, the facility is designed as a community hub. Public skating, leagues, fitness programs, pickleball, hospitality amenities and event space will support year-round activity, while the adjacent hotel is expected to enhance the venue’s ability to attract tournaments and traveling teams.
Gotham FC to construct $35 million training facility, a first for the club
Gotham FC has announced plans for its first dedicated training facility, a significant investment that underscores the club’s long-term commitment to player development, performance and the continued growth of women’s soccer. The club will transform the former Red Bull New York training center in Whippany, New Jersey, into a 27,000-square-foot headquarters, with renovations beginning later this year and completion targeted for summer 2027.
Designed in partnership with SHoP Architects, the facility will feature three grass training fields, including one heated surface, a 3,000-square-foot gym, hydrotherapy and recovery areas, dining facilities and dedicated spaces for content creation, media activities and player families. Plans also include a future indoor turf field to support year-round training.
Beyond serving as Gotham FC’s operational home, the complex is envisioned as a community asset supporting youth soccer programs throughout the region. Club leaders say the project is designed to create a world-class environment that enhances athlete performance while strengthening connections between the club and its growing soccer community.
The Forge Sports Center set to open in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 22
Upgrade your planning process by exploring fresh insights and best practices with SPG InSite.
New sports recreation center opens in Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama, has officially opened the new John Hunt Park Recreation Center, a major addition to the city’s growing sports tourism portfolio. Located on 8.5 acres within the 435-acre John Hunt Park, the facility features 25 lighted, covered outdoor pickleball courts, including a championship court designed to accommodate spectators and tournament play.
Built with both residents and visitors in mind, the complex also includes a flexible indoor gymnasium that can be configured for four basketball courts or eight volleyball courts, along with concessions, multipurpose rooms and a fitness area. City leaders say the center supports Huntsville’s strategy of attracting regional events while expanding recreation opportunities for the local community.
The facility opened to strong interest from players and community members, with hundreds taking to the courts on opening day. In addition to pickleball, the center is already hosting basketball programming and is expected to serve as a year-round hub for tournaments, camps and community activities.
Plans announced for sports complex, mixed-use development near Huntsville-Decatur interchange
Sticking with the Huntsville area, a proposed mixed-use development anchored by a regional sports complex could transform a key growth corridor along Alabama 20 near the Interstate 65-565 interchange. North Carolina-based Synergy Sports recently unveiled plans for The Crossroads of the Tennessee Valley, a project that would be developed on property owned by Calvary Assembly of God and positioned near several major industrial and residential developments.
The sports component is designed to attract tournaments and traveling teams, featuring baseball and softball diamonds, multipurpose fields for soccer, flag football and lacrosse, as well as an indoor sports facility. The broader development plan also includes retail, residential and hotel elements, creating a destination intended to serve both visitors and local residents.
City of Decatur leaders have expressed support for the project, citing its potential to strengthen sports tourism, generate economic activity and support local businesses. If realized, the development would add another major attraction to one of North Alabama’s fastest-growing regions and further expand the area’s visitor economy.
HomeCourt sports facility under construction in Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck’s indoor sports landscape is expanding with the construction of HomeCourt, a new 29,000-square-foot multi-sport training facility designed to address growing demand for practice, training and community gathering space. Located east of Bismarck airport, the project is expected to open in Fall 2027 and will provide additional capacity for athletes, teams and organizations across the region.
The facility will feature basketball and volleyball courts alongside indoor turf space capable of supporting a variety of sports and training programs. Unlike facilities tied to a single club or sport, HomeCourt is being developed as a flexible community resource where teams can reserve space online, trainers can host programs, and organizations can conduct camps, clinics and special events.
Developers say the project is intended to be more than a sports venue. Designed with athletes, parents and community groups in mind, the facility will include areas for spectators and remote work while creating a welcoming environment where teams and families can connect, train and grow year-round.
SPG Take
Facility development remains a major priority across the sports industry, with destinations and organizations continuing to invest in venues that can serve athletes, events and local communities alike. From large-scale stadium projects to new training and recreation facilities, the emphasis is on long-term growth.
Many of today’s projects are being designed with flexibility in mind. Multi-sport capabilities, year-round programming and community access have become key considerations as owners look to maximize both participation and economic impact.
Another trend is the blending of sports, hospitality and mixed-use development. Hotels, retail and entertainment components are increasingly being integrated into facility plans, helping destinations create experiences that extend beyond competition.
These investments reflect the growing recognition that sports facilities are economic drivers, community gathering places and critical pieces of a destination’s sports tourism strategy.
-Sports Planning Guide
