Across the globe, destinations are investing in sports facilities that boost tourism, empower athletes and reshape local economies
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Rancho Cordova, California, approves $2B sports and entertainment district set to debut in 2027
Rancho Cordova, California, has taken a major step toward redefining its identity with the approval of a sweeping sports and entertainment district anchored by a new 7,500-seat arena. Unanimously approved by the City Council, the Cordova Arena project will serve as home to a new Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) franchise, with both men’s and women’s teams, and is projected to generate 22,800 jobs and $2.1 billion in direct spending over 12 years.
Developed by KozPure Development and Alpha One Sports & Entertainment Group, the Cordova City Center will span hotels, restaurants, housing, retail and a public plaza alongside the arena. Officials envision it as a “twin-economic power city” project for the Sacramento region, creating a mid-sized venue to complement larger and smaller area facilities. MASL Commissioner Keith Tozer praised the development as a first-class home for the league’s expansion into the growing Sacramento-Cordova market.
Beyond sports, leaders view the project as a catalyst for urban transformation. The arena is expected to boost tourism, attract national attention and help establish Rancho Cordova as a vibrant cultural destination when the teams debut in fall 2027.
Bay FC breaks ground on trailblazing women’s soccer performance center in San Francisco, California
NWSL side Bay FC has broken ground on its state-of-the-art Sports Performance Center on Treasure Island, marking a pivotal step in the club’s vision to redefine women’s professional soccer. As the National Women’s Soccer League’s newest franchise, Bay FC is setting a precedent with one of the few purpose-built training facilities for women’s sports in the U.S., designed to support elite athletes with dedicated resources, cutting-edge recovery spaces and three full-size training fields across an 8.5-acre site.
The privately funded project, part of Treasure Island’s larger redevelopment, underscores Bay FC’s dual commitment to professional excellence and community impact. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie praised the team’s role in the city’s ongoing recovery, while Bay FC Co-Chair Alan Waxman described the center as both a global headquarters for women’s sport and a community hub meant to inspire future generations.
In partnership with design firm Olson Kundig and Devcon Construction, the facility’s design blends high-performance function with sustainability and 360-degree views of the Bay. Beyond serving Bay FC, the complex will integrate with local youth programs and community events, strengthening San Francisco’s identity as a leader in inclusive, athlete-driven development.
Brooklyn Nets debut high-tech youth basketball training center with Shoot360 system and citywide school programs
The NBA’s Brooklyn Nets are deepening their community roots with the opening of the 18,600-square-foot Brooklyn Basketball Training Center across from Barclays Center. Unveiled on September 25, the facility transforms a former Modell’s sporting goods store into a high-tech youth sports hub featuring Shoot360’s immersive training technology—the only one of its kind in the tri-state area. The center serves ages 6–17 through after-school programs, weekend camps, all-girls sessions and private training, all designed to enhance player development and accessibility.
Through a growing partnership with the New York City Department of Education, Brooklyn Basketball now reaches more than 200 schools and 40,000 students annually with free in-school clinics and leadership programs. The new training center builds on that reach, offering structured programs and advanced coaching while integrating sports technology typically reserved for NBA teams and top collegiate programs.
BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, views the center as both a community investment and a strategic move to cultivate long-term fan engagement. As the Nets rebuild with a youthful roster, the facility represents a tangible link between professional basketball, youth development and local pride.
New sports facility is among the top priorities for leaders of Dubuque, Iowa
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New Kalamazoo Event Center to drive $50M annual impact and host WMU, K-Wings and community events
The long-awaited Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is officially underway following a groundbreaking ceremony that drew hundreds of residents, partners and community leaders downtown. Two decades in the making, the $300 million project marks the start of a 24-month construction timeline that will redefine the city’s entertainment and sports scene. When complete in fall 2027, the multi-purpose venue will anchor downtown revitalization efforts and serve as home to Western Michigan University’s hockey and basketball programs, as well as the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings.
City and project leaders emphasized the center’s broader mission as a catalyst for economic growth and community pride. Mayor David Anderson called it a “transformational investment” that will elevate Kalamazoo’s downtown and support long-term prosperity. Greenleaf Companies Chairman Bill Johnston described it as “a community event center” designed to bring people together through sports, concerts and civic events.
With capacity for over 225 annual events, the Kalamazoo Event Center will host athletics, graduations, trade expos and national performances. Officials project more than $50 million in annual economic impact, attracting half a million visitors each year while energizing small businesses and the local workforce.
Henrico County, Virginia, expands Glover Park with new NCAA baseball complex and major sports tourism upgrades
Henrico County, Virginia, is expanding its sports tourism profile with a major upgrade at Glover Park in Glen Allen, anchored by a new NCAA-regulation baseball complex. The 80-acre development, which will be part of a larger 200-acre site, will feature six synthetic turf baseball diamonds with stadium seating, created through a public-private partnership with Prep Baseball Report. Officials expect the complex to become a premier East Coast destination for tournaments, rivaling spring training-style facilities in Florida and Arizona.
Beyond baseball, the project enhances recreation and livability across the park. The county is adding two new multipurpose fields, miles of scenic trails, a large playground, fitness equipment and Henrico’s largest dog park—spanning nearly three acres. The remaining 120 acres will be preserved for wetlands and nature areas, ensuring balance between tourism and conservation.
Henrico County leaders estimate the new complex will drive significant visitor traffic and economic impact. With $1.9 billion in visitor spending reported last year, which was the fifth highest in Virginia, the county expects the Glover Park expansion to strengthen its position as a Mid-Atlantic sports destination. Completion is slated for spring 2026.
New World Aquatics pool in Grenada to boost elite training, youth programs and water safety
Grenada has broken ground on a landmark aquatics facility that will serve as the country’s national swimming hub and expand access to water safety and sport. The project, made possible through the World Aquatics Pools for All program, aims to create a world-class venue for athletes while giving children and community members a safe place to learn to swim. It represents a key milestone in the initiative’s mission to promote sustainable aquatics development and drowning prevention worldwide.
The collaboration behind the pool includes World Aquatics, the Grenada Amateur Swimming Association, the Grenada National Olympic Committee, the Government of Grenada, the IOC, Panam Sports and partner Myrtha Pools. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Youth and Sports Delma Thomas said the facility will be where “every medal we dream of” begins, underscoring its potential to elevate Grenada’s sporting profile across the Caribbean.
Once complete, the pool will provide a foundation for both elite training and grassroots participation. It will host national competitions, community lessons and youth programs designed to make swimming accessible to all. World Aquatics Vice President Maureen Croes said that this vision will “bring communities together” and inspire the next generation of Grenadian athletes.
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