Discover the latest sports venue updates, from a $400M college investment in South Florida to a huge 180,000-square-foot fieldhouse near Indianapolis
Stay ahead of the game and discover cutting-edge innovations in the latest sports facility news.
Inside FSU’s $400 million football investment that is built for championships
Florida State University’s Dunlap Football Center is designed to reinforce the football program’s championship tradition while supporting the next generation of student-athletes. Located adjacent to Doak Campbell Stadium, the 140,000-square-foot facility showcases the Seminoles’ history through championship displays and Hall of Fame tributes while serving as a daily reminder of the program’s high standards.
Built with an emphasis on efficiency and player development, the football-only complex features advanced meeting rooms, training and recovery areas, educational spaces and integrated technology that enhances coaching and learning. The layout streamlines daily operations, creating a centralized hub for nearly every aspect of the program, from football operations to player development and roster management.
The facility is part of more than $400 million in athletics investment that also includes upgrades to Doak Campbell Stadium. University leaders believe the modern complex strengthens recruiting, enhances the student-athlete experience and positions Florida State to compete with the nation’s premier football programs for years to come.
Construction begins on Boyd County Sports Complex in Ashland, Kentucky
Construction is underway on the Boyd County Sports Complex in Ashland, Kentucky, with the new venue expected to open in early 2027. Designed as a regional destination for sports tourism and community recreation, the 121,126-square-foot complex will feature a 110,625-square-foot air-supported dome along with lobby, concession, ticketing and administrative spaces to support year-round programming.
The facility will accommodate youth and adult leagues, tournaments and community events across a variety of sports. Planned amenities include 35,000 square feet of indoor turf for baseball and soccer, 18 pickleball courts, 12 volleyball courts, six basketball courts, conference space and convenient concessions, creating a flexible environment for competitions and gatherings.
County leaders view the project as a strategic investment in both quality of life and economic development. Building on the success of the nearby Camp Landing Entertainment District, the complex is expected to attract regional events, generate visitor spending and strengthen Boyd County’s position as a leading sports tourism destination in Eastern Kentucky.
Texas Women’s University to build new $30 million athletics complex
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has announced plans for a new athletics complex, supported by a transformational $10 million gift from alumna and former student-athlete Dawn S. Chaney. The approximately $30 million project is expected to break ground next year on the east side of campus and will be named in Chaney’s honor. Designed to strengthen the student-athlete experience, the 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot facility will provide dedicated spaces for training, competition preparation and team operations.
The complex will feature a practice gym, locker rooms for five teams, indoor batting cages and dedicated areas for wrestling, helping accommodate the university’s expanding athletics program. By relocating several teams to the new venue, the project will also ease scheduling and space constraints in Pioneer Hall while creating a stronger foundation for future growth and recruiting.
University leaders view this investment as a significant step in sustaining the success of TWU’s nationally competitive programs. With nine varsity sports and multiple national championships in recent years, the new facility is expected to enhance recruiting, support player development and provide student-athletes with modern resources that foster success both on the field and in the classroom.
Construction update tour of new indoor facility in Maricopa, Arizona
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Castle Rock, Colorado, approves agreement for $35M youth sports complex
Castle Rock has advanced plans for a new youth sports complex through a partnership with Douglas County, Colorado, and the Gold Crown Foundation. Town Council recently approved agreements to transfer 22 acres for the project and waive up to $1 million in development and land-use fees, while county officials are considering additional funding. The estimated $35 million facility is expected to break ground in 2027, pending completion of fundraising efforts.
Phase one includes a 68,000-square-foot indoor venue featuring six basketball courts and nine volleyball courts. Future expansion could add outdoor turf fields and additional indoor courts as funding becomes available, creating greater capacity for youth sports programming and regional tournaments.
Once complete, the complex is projected to serve approximately 15,000 young athletes annually while attracting between 500,000 and 600,000 visitors each year. Community leaders say the project will address growing demand for court space, reduce travel for local families and strengthen Castle Rock’s ability to host sports events that generate economic impact.
Lexington County, South Carolina, could be home to huge new multimillion-dollar sports complex
Lexington County leaders are advancing plans for a proposed multi-sport complex that could become one of South Carolina’s premier tournament destinations. County Council recently gave initial approval to a $74 million bond issue that would help fund the project, which is planned on more than 300 acres near Interstate 77. Recreation officials envision the complex as a year-round venue for local programming while attracting regional and national competitions.
Current plans call for a 150,000-plus-square-foot indoor facility with the flexibility to accommodate 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts, complemented by multiple collegiate-size baseball fields. The mixed-use development could also include a hotel, restaurants and retail, creating a sports tourism district designed to enhance the visitor experience and encourage longer stays.
Project leaders say the concept draws inspiration from successful destination sports venues that have generated significant economic impact through tournaments and events. Combined with previously allocated state funding, the project would have approximately $77 million available if approved, positioning Lexington County to expand recreation opportunities while strengthening tourism and long-term economic development across the region.
Youth sports, Indy Ignite practice facility is coming to growing Fishers District
Fishers, Indiana, is expanding its sports and entertainment district with the addition of the $65 million Fishers Fieldhouse, a 180,000-square-foot venue designed to support youth sports, tournaments and professional volleyball. Scheduled to break ground in fall 2026 and open in late 2027 or early 2028, the facility will feature flexible space for up to 10 basketball or 20 volleyball courts while serving as the permanent practice home for Major League Volleyball’s Indy Ignite.
The fieldhouse will include dedicated training and operational space for the Indy Ignite, including practice courts, strength and conditioning areas, film rooms, locker rooms, meeting spaces and team offices. City leaders say the investment reinforces Fishers’ commitment to growing volleyball while creating year-round opportunities for athletes and attracting regional events that benefit local businesses.
The sports venue is part of a broader $169 million phase of development within the Fishers District. Plans also include a new North American headquarters for JD North America, bringing hundreds of jobs to the city, along with new apartments and townhomes. Together, the projects continue to transform the area into a mixed-use destination that blends sports, business, housing and entertainment.
SPG Take
The projects in this week’s Breaking Ground highlight a growing reality in sports tourism, that the most competitive destinations are interconnected ecosystems where sports, hospitality, housing, business and entertainment reinforce one another. Fishers’ latest expansion pairs a massive fieldhouse with corporate investment and mixed-use development, while Lexington County and Boyd County are planning complexes that blend tournament space with hotels, restaurants and community amenities.
Even on the collegiate side, Florida State and TWU are investing in facilities that strengthen recruiting, streamline operations and elevate student-athlete experience. The common thread here is intentionality.
For competing destinations, success increasingly depends on offering an experience that extends beyond the competition itself. These projects meet that need by being designed to keep athletes, families and fans engaged while creating lasting economic value. Venues may attract the tournament or event, but the surrounding ecosystem is what keeps visitors coming back and spending even just a little more.
— Sports Planning Guide
