Utah, New York, and Connecticut Aim to Boost Economy and Enhance Sports Experiences
Entrepreneurs Ryan Moore and Levi Bills have unveiled plans for a comprehensive youth sports complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. This facility aims to meet the increasing demand for premier sports venues in Utah, which would include space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and potentially ice sports, which falls in line with the state’s new NHL franchise.
The move comes as families are feeling the strain of limited quality sports venues, with many parents dedicating a significant amount of time and money to travel. Melinda Bendall, whose child plays club basketball, regularly crosses the Salt Lake Valley for practices and heads out of state up to five times a year for tournaments.
“It’s close to impossible to find places for teams to practice,” Bendall explains, citing school restrictions and church limitations. “We need a place like this.”
As a bonus, the complex is meant to be more than just a sports venue—it’s a destination on its own. Designed with families in mind, it will feature dining options, entertainment spaces, and even a daycare, ensuring parents can relax while their children compete. The idea, as Moore explains, is that “If you love a particular restaurant here, you don’t need a tournament as an excuse to stop by.”
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Ithaca College’s New Track and Field Facility
In Ithaca, New York, Ithaca College is prepared to enhance its athletic infrastructure with the construction of a new outdoor track and field facility, thanks to a generous donation from an alumni couple. The planned facility will feature an eight-lane, 400-meter running track situated on the west side of the campus, replacing a field previously used for sports practices and recreation.
Adjacent runways will accommodate jumping events, while the infield will retain its natural grass surface. Additionally, a nearby recreational field behind Emerson Hall is slated for repurposing to host throwing events. The project’s estimated cost is approximately $4 million, primarily funded by the alumni donors, with the remainder covered by institutional capital funds.
Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “This is an important capital investment to improve the quality of campus facilities for both intercollegiate competition and recreation.”
Cornish also highlighted the new facility’s role as a recruitment tool to attract talented student-athletes and maintain the college’s championship-caliber track and field program.
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Susan Bassett, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation, is thrilled that IC student-athletes will soon train and compete on a state-of-the-art track.
“Current and future student-athletes will thrive in their pursuit of excellence because of this project,” Bassett said. “This facility will not only enhance our campus but also provide space for athletic and recreational activities for all. Alumni support means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful to the donors who made this possible, helping IC stay at the forefront of academic and athletic excellence.”
The installation of the track is being managed by Clark Companies, a specialized contractor focusing exclusively on the design and construction of outdoor athletic facilities. Pending necessary approvals from the Town of Ithaca, the college anticipates breaking ground on the new facility in April, with a completion timeline of September 2025.
Hartford’s XL Center Renovation
Hartford’s XL Center, the former home of the now-defunct (yet ever-popular) Hartford Whalers is currently undergoing a significant $145-million renovation. Deposits for new premium seating options to modernize the 50-year-old arena began in February, including loge seating off the concourse, club spaces under the stands, and bunker suites at the event level. These enhancements aim to boost revenue and elevate the fan experience.
The renovation is primarily funded by the State of Connecticut, contributing $125 million, with Oak View Group (OVG) providing the remaining $20 million. OVG manages the XL Center and oversees food and beverage services, premium and sponsorship sales, and event bookings.
The introduction of premium seating options is designed to increase the arena’s revenue streams. Upgraded concessions are also part of the plan, enhancing the overall fan experience. These developments position the XL Center to better serve patrons and remain competitive in the evolving sports and entertainment landscape.
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