From Brisbane 2032’s new arena to facilities in Taiwan, Brazil and the States, explore the latest multimillion-dollar sports & entertainment projects shaping communities
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Australia’s Gold Coast seeks global partners for a new 12,000-seat arena ahead of Brisbane 2032
The Gold Coast is preparing to transform its sports and entertainment landscape with plans for a new arena designed to host major events, including competitions during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Queensland Government and Invest Gold Coast have launched a global search for private partners through a Public Private Partnership (PPP), with Expressions of Interest opening in August 2025. The proposed 12,000-plus capacity venue at Carey Park in Southport aims to attract international investors, developers and operators to design, build and manage the landmark project.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and finish by 2030, positioning the arena as a centerpiece for the region’s rapidly growing population and tourism market. The venue would accommodate up to 100 major events annually, from concerts and sporting competitions to comedy and cultural showcases, solidifying the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s premier entertainment hubs.
Officials project substantial economic benefits, including creating 6,700 construction jobs and boosting local businesses and tourism investment. By filling the current gap for large-scale indoor events, the arena is expected to elevate the city’s global profile and drive long-term community growth.
Riverside, California, advances $1 billion sports and entertainment district to transform northside
The City of Riverside has taken a major step toward transforming 56 acres of city-owned land into the Riverside Sports Complex & Entertainment District, a mixed-use destination designed to energize the local economy and elevate the city’s role as a regional sports hub. Approved unanimously by the City Council, the project will be led by Riverside-based GCS Development and aims to blend sports, entertainment, housing, retail and community spaces into one dynamic district.
The first phase includes a multi-use professional stadium, six soccer fields, a 130,000-square-foot indoor sports complex, and “Riverside Live,” a new indoor-outdoor venue for concerts and festivals. Later phases plan to add 1,100 residential units (with 25% affordable housing), 193,000 square feet of retail, a central park, and extensive recreation trails. With a planned 5,005-seat stadium expandable to 15,000, the district is positioned to host soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse and large-scale entertainment events.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson called the project a “generational opportunity” to both honor Riverside’s sports history and create a vibrant, modern destination. Combined with the nearby Riverside Adventure Center, the district promises to deliver significant economic, cultural and recreational benefits while redefining the city as a premier sports and entertainment destination in the Inland Empire.
Santos FC secures approval for $129M Arena Vila Belmiro, ushering in a new era for Brazilian community
Brazilian soccer outfit Santos FC’s new era is officially underway as the City of Santos approved construction of the Arena Vila Belmiro, a modern 30,000-seat multi-purpose stadium set to replace the club’s historic Estádio Urbano Caldeira. The $129 million project, led by Brazilian conglomerate WTorre, will transform the Vila Belmiro neighborhood by creating a modern venue capable of hosting soccer, concerts and other major events the city currently lacks infrastructure to support.
Mayor Rogério Santos called the approval a “significant step forward” for both the club and the city, noting Santos FC’s global reputation and its deep cultural ties to the community. Club president Marcelo Teixeira described the decision as a “historic moment” that will give the pro team a world-class home while revitalizing the surrounding district.
The arena will feature advanced security systems, expanded parking, bike paths, landscaped grounds and new shops and restaurants. Construction is expected to take about 40 months.
University of Nevada, Reno breaks ground on new athletics fieldhouse
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Taichung, Taiwan, announces plans for a new 30,000-seat ‘Super Dome’ baseball venue
Taichung is setting its sights on becoming a global baseball powerhouse with plans for a 30,000-plus seat “Super Dome,” slated to open in 2030. The ambitious venue, announced by the Taichung City Government, is poised to be the largest indoor multifunctional stadium in Central-Southern Taiwan and a major boost to the city’s growing reputation as a “World Baseball City,” a title earned from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in 2013.
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen emphasized that the project will be privately initiated, with developers conducting their own feasibility studies and investment plans before city approval. Designed as a state-of-the-art, multifunctional stadium, the Super Dome will prioritize safety and fan experience while serving as a catalyst for Taichung’s sports industry and their pro team Brothers. Officials believe the development will also spark growth in the surrounding tourism and hospitality sectors.
The project builds on the success of the 40,000-seat Taipei Dome, which has hosted over 70 baseball games, attracted 1.4 million fans, and generated $157.8 million in revenue since opening in 2023.
Massachusetts’ Masters Academy International is set to make New England a national youth sports hub
Masters Academy International (MAI) is set to transform an 82-acre campus in Stow, Massachusetts, into a premier youth sports academy with an $83.8 million redevelopment. The site, formerly Bose Corporation’s headquarters, will serve more than 600 student-athletes, blending elite athletic training with rigorous college-prep academics. Facilities will support multiple sports, while students can pursue career-focused tracks in sports medicine, psychology and management. MAI is also forging partnerships with local universities to expand their educational offerings, aiming to keep top-tier youth talent in New England rather than sending athletes out of state.
State and local support is strong, with the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council approving $2.85 million in tax credits. Led by Rich Odell, former head of school at IMG Academy, MAI emphasizes an integrated sports-academic environment, combining high-performance infrastructure with residential and learning spaces. Final approvals are underway with the Stow Planning Board, with detailed campus renderings including athletic fields, academic buildings and support facilities.
Adding to the project’s national significance, USA Fencing has signed a multi-year partnership to make MAI the new home of its Olympic and Paralympic teams. The collaboration includes a national fencing academy, year-round training, athlete housing and office space, expected to generate $1 million annually and offer scholarships.
Binghamton University breaks ground on $5.6 million NCAA-level track & field upgrade
New York’s Binghamton University has broken ground on a $5.6 million transformation of its track-and-field facility, aiming to elevate the venue to NCAA-level competition standards while enhancing its role as a community resource. Thanks to a significant investment from Visions Federal Credit Union, the upgraded venue will be renamed the Visions Federal Credit Union Track & Field Facility. Additional support comes from the University’s Division of Student Affairs, Division of Athletics, and funding from New York State.
The project includes replacing the 30-year-old track, renovating jump and pole vault areas, adding lighting and safety improvements, installing a new multisport synthetic turf field, and upgrading stands and scoreboards. University President Harvey Stenger highlighted the upgrades as a step toward strengthening Binghamton’s athletic reputation, while Athletic Director Eugene Marshall Jr. emphasized their importance in recruiting top talent and boosting the local economy through increased event attendance.
Beyond athletics, the facility will serve the broader community, hosting area residents, youth camps, and local organizations. Visions CEO Ty Muse called the project “a meaningful investment” benefiting both the University and the region, underscoring Binghamton’s commitment to fostering excellence, wellness, and community engagement.
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