New Sports Complexes and Redevelopments Drive Investment in U.S. and Brazil

Communities are advancing multimillion-dollar sports facilities focused on tourism, youth development and long-term economic impact

Stay ahead of the game and discover cutting-edge innovations in the latest sports facility news.

Hattiesburg’s Tatum Park is ready to expand with a new $30 million event center

Ground was officially broken in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for a $30 million Recreation and Sports Event Center at Tatum Park, a project led by the Pinebelt Foundation and ultimately slated for donation to the City of Hattiesburg. Foundation leaders described the development as a generational investment, funded by anonymous donors and designed to serve both residents and tournament traffic. City officials emphasized the facility’s role as an inclusive, shared community asset.

The 117,000-square-foot indoor complex will anchor the north end of Tatum Park, featuring a 60,000-square-foot main sports floor capable of accommodating six basketball courts, 10 volleyball courts, 16 pickleball courts and four mini futsal courts. The building will also house Parks and Recreation and Sports Event Services offices, along with multipurpose activity and training spaces.

Amenities include seating for 800 spectators, a wraparound concourse, concessions and a restaurant overlooking the soccer fields. Completion is targeted for December 2027.

New $50 million sports complex coming to Amherst, New York, in 2027

A $50 million indoor sports destination is moving forward in Amherst, where developers have secured a 21.3-acre site on Maple Road for the 716 Sports Complex. Led by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian McGrath, the privately financed project has been in development for nearly five years and is positioned as both a regional tournament draw and a year-round resource for local families. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion targeted for 2027.

The complex will feature two indoor domes and a central commercial building anchored by a nationally competitive 200-meter banked track. Plans also include turf and court sports designed to accommodate football, lacrosse, softball, baseball, basketball and pickleball, along with family-focused entertainment components.

Developers say the facility addresses a longstanding need for indoor recreation in Western New York, particularly during winter months, while creating new opportunities for sports tourism and economic impact in the Northtowns.

Brazil’s Serra Dourada Stadium has a revamp on the horizon

Estádio Serra Dourada is set for a sweeping redevelopment that will modernize the historic Goiânia venue and expand capacity to 44,000, with completion targeted for 2028. Construcap, which secured a 35-year concession for the complex, will lead the $57.4 million initial investment, with total spending potentially reaching over $287 million over the life of the contract, including full maintenance responsibilities previously held by the state.

Planned upgrades include leveled concourses, expanded restrooms and facial-recognition turnstiles. More than 60 new suites, including field-level premium spaces, will be added, alongside revamped lounges and a comprehensive overhaul of food and beverage operations featuring industrial kitchens, bars and restaurants.

The adjacent arena will also be upgraded with new VIP boxes, hospitality areas and improved acoustics. Broader site plans call for parking redevelopment, multi-sport courts and a three-kilometer linear park with bike and running paths, positioning the complex as a year-round community asset.

New 88,000-square-foot indoor turf facility opens in Rogers, Minnesota

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After West Creek exit, Richmond United scores a deal for new fields in Chesterfield, Virginia

Richmond United has secured a long-term lease with Chesterfield County, Virginia, for two lighted soccer fields at Mary B. Stratton Park in North Chesterfield, reinforcing the club’s commitment to facility access and player development. The agreement includes a 15-year term with two additional 10-year renewal options, providing stability as the club continues to expand programming, training and sanctioned events across the region.

Under the lease, Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) clubwill assume full responsibility for field operations and maintenance while holding exclusive use for club activities. In 2027, the organization plans to replace the existing surfaces with two new artificial turf fields, a capital upgrade designed to improve durability, extend year-round play and elevate the overall athlete experience.

Club leadership emphasized that consistent access to high-quality, lighted turf fields strengthens tournament hosting capabilities and national playoff opportunities, while deepening Richmond United’s long-term partnership with the county.

Tulare, California, opens new $10.5 million outdoor sports complex

The Tulare City School District officially opened its $10.5 million Outdoor Education Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, delivering a new athletics and community venue on district-owned property. Built on a former ponding basin, the 26-acre site required full infrastructure installation, including utilities, lighting, sidewalks and bus access. District leaders said the project supports student growth while positioning Tulare for future expansion.

The complex features eight soccer fields with strategically placed lighting for night play, a 100-space parking lot and a restroom building with concessions. A separate storage facility remains under construction. The multi-field layout allows the district to host simultaneous games and postseason tournaments for the first time.

Officials emphasized that students would remain the primary users, with community events scheduled as availability permits. Beyond competition, the complex is designed to provide a centralized, high-quality environment for youth sports and school programming.

Jimmy Graves Sports Complex opens in Vero Beach, Florida, with ribbon cutting

The Jimmy Graves Sports and Community Complex officially opened January 22 in Vero Beach, delivering a new hub for school athletics and community recreation. Developed by the School District of Indian River County near Vero Beach High School, the $7.6 million project stems from a 2021 land donation made in memory of Jimmy Graves. District leaders describe the investment as a long-term commitment to student wellness, opportunity and inclusive access.

The complex features an eight-lane, FHSAA-regulation track and a multipurpose field supporting soccer and lacrosse, along with lighting, a scoreboard, bleachers and a press box. Vero Beach High School teams are already using the facility for practice and competition and will remain their primary users as part of regular school operations.

An inclusive playground, open daily from sunrise to sunset, expands the impact beyond campus athletics. Designed for children of all abilities, the facility reinforces the district’s goal of creating shared environments where students and families can connect through movement and play.