From pickleball complexes and field houses to mixed-use districts and ice arenas, communities invest in sports facilities that support year-round play, tourism and economic growth
Stay ahead of the game and discover cutting-edge innovations in the latest sports facility news.
New pickleball complex in Medford, Oregon, is ‘pretty much perfect’
Medford’s Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park has added 19 new outdoor pickleball courts, creating the largest municipal pickleball complex in the region. Open daily for drop-in play outside of scheduled leagues and tournaments, the courts debuted during the Medford Summer Classic and have already become a popular gathering place for both local players and visitors. The dedicated complex has also helped ease demand at other facilities in the area like Rogue X.
Built to national association standards, the $2.4 million project includes a championship court with spectator seating, court lighting, shade structures and individual fencing. City officials said the complex was designed to support future leagues, instructional programs and additional tournaments, while allowing players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the sport in a purpose-built setting.
The pickleball expansion is part of a broader vision for the 58-acre sports park. Sand volleyball courts are expected to open next, while plans include new baseball and softball fields, a neighborhood park and other amenities that continue to strengthen the park as a year-round recreation and sports tourism destination.
Hillsborough County, Florida, moving forward with $70M indoor sports facility
A new chapter is taking shape at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) as Hillsborough County advances plans for a $70 million indoor sports and event venue. County commissioners recently authorized the Tampa Sports Authority to negotiate a construction contract for the 178,000-square-foot field house, which will be built on the museum campus. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with an opening targeted for 2028.
The multipurpose venue will share infrastructure with MOSI, creating an efficient campus layout while reducing project costs by an estimated $15 million. Plans also call for the surrounding area to evolve into a mixed-use district featuring retail, restaurants and residential development, complementing other major investments underway in the Uptown area, including the nearby USF stadium.
Museum leaders believe the project will strengthen both MOSI and the surrounding community by attracting new visitors and expanding year-round activity. Construction will coincide with the museum’s upcoming Sue the T. rex exhibition in early 2027, adding to the momentum as the campus continues its transformation into a destination for education, sports and entertainment.
New indoor sports and event arena coming to Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is moving forward with plans for a new 8,000- to 10,000-seat multipurpose arena, creating an opportunity for private developers to help expand the city’s sports and entertainment landscape. The venue is planned for the centrally located Neuer Huckepackbahnhof district, where city officials envision a vibrant mixed-use destination that supports sports, concerts and cultural programming while complementing ongoing urban development.
A 2025 market study confirmed strong interest in the project, with the proposed site earning favorable reviews for its accessibility, visibility and development potential. The 11-hectare district will feature quality public spaces, improved transit connections and the new Alster-Bille-Elbe Green Corridor, providing recreational amenities alongside the arena and strengthening the area as a year-round destination.
Under the tender, the future operator must make the arena available for approximately 25 days annually to a Hamburg-based professional sports club for league and cup competition. The flexible venue is also expected to host concerts, community events and commercial activities, addressing the city’s growing demand for a modern mid-sized event facility.
Diamondback Energy Athletic Complex opens its doors in Midland, Texas
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New hockey venue opens with NHL-sized rink in Chesterfield, Virginia
Richmond Ice Box officially opened in Chesterfield, Virginia, introducing a new 49,000-square-foot venue designed to expand opportunities for ice sports throughout the region. The privately funded facility features an NHL-sized rink, seating for 350 spectators, six locker rooms and public skating, while supporting youth and adult hockey, figure skating, clinics and tournaments. A pro shop is also scheduled to open later this month.
The project builds on the success of Powhatan Ice Den, where growing participation—particularly among younger players and girls’ hockey programs—demonstrated demand for additional ice time. Operators spent several years planning the new venue to meet that need while creating space for continued growth in the local hockey community.
Plans call for expanding Richmond Ice Box into a 90,000-square-foot complex with a second professional-sized rink and seating for 700 spectators. Facility leaders also hope the development strengthens the region’s long-term potential to attract a professional hockey franchise and other major ice sports opportunities.
Demo underway to clear way for Diamond District in Richmond, Virginia
Also in Virginia, demolition is underway at Richmond’s Sports Backers Stadium, clearing the site for the first phase of the city’s transformative Diamond District development. The work follows the Richmond Economic Development Authority’s $25 million acquisition of the property from Virginia Commonwealth University, allowing infrastructure improvements to move forward alongside the recently opened CarMax Park. The mixed-use project will ultimately add residential, office, retail, hotel and public gathering spaces across the district.
Removing the stadium clears a critical parcel needed for roads and utilities supporting the initial 18-acre development phase. Construction of the first building, a six-story apartment complex, remains on schedule to begin this summer, while additional land transactions and infrastructure work continue to advance the broader 67-acre redevelopment.
Sale proceeds will help fund VCU’s new Athletic Village, which will replace the stadium with modern track-and-field and soccer facilities. City officials and development partners view the project as a key milestone in reshaping the area into a vibrant destination that blends sports, entertainment, housing and economic development.
Manatee County, Florida, sports complex set to expand
UMR Sports is moving ahead with a major expansion of its 52-acre East Manatee County campus, adding new sports facilities alongside a 232-unit apartment community. After five years of planning, the project is finalizing site plans, with construction on the residential component beginning this summer. The full development remains on track for a 2027 grand opening.
The expanded complex will feature four indoor pickleball courts, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a baseball field, five softball fields and a soccer/multi-purpose field, complementing the site’s existing outdoor pickleball and beach volleyball courts. Designed to host sporting events while serving residents, the project blends recreation, housing and community amenities into a single destination.
Developed on land once owned by the Moore family dairy farm, the project reflects a vision to create a lasting community asset. Along with tournament opportunities, the complex will welcome local programming and family activities, offering visitors and residents a destination that celebrates sports, recreation and the Bradenton community.
SPG Take
One theme connects nearly every project in this roundup: sports facilities are increasingly being developed as long-term destination assets rather than standalone venues. Whether it’s Medford’s new pickleball complex, Hillsborough County’s indoor field house or Richmond’s Diamond District redevelopment, the goal extends beyond hosting events. These projects are designed to generate year-round activity, support local recreation and create broader economic opportunities through tourism, entertainment and mixed-use development.
The most successful developments will likely be the ones that balance visitor appeal with everyday community value. Facilities that remain active with local leagues, instructional programs, public recreation and recurring events tend to create stronger long-term returns than those built solely around occasional major tournaments.
— Sports Planning Guide
