Champion City Sports + Community Wellness Center Moves Springfield into its Next Phase of Downtown Investment

For nearly a decade, community leaders, partners, and residents have discussed what comes next for Downtown Springfield.

Housing projects have been finished, restaurants and entertainment options have expanded, and previously inactive spaces are being revitalized.

Now, another significant development is approaching realization.

The Champion City Sports + Community Wellness Center is among Springfield’s most ambitious recent investments. This planned 85,000-square-foot downtown facility will integrate sports, recreation, health programs, education, and tourism for daily local use and year-round visitors.

The planned facility will be owned and operated by the Clark County Convention Facilities Authority, the center represents a projected $25 million investment and is expected to serve as a long-term community asset, enhancing Springfield’s visitor economy.

The project is in its final fundraising and planning stages, with construction preparation underway and an opening planned for Fall 2027.

A Project Built Through Long-Term Commitment

The Champion City Sports + Community Wellness Center is the result of years of planning and commitment.

The vision began in 2016 and has progressed through planning, fundraising, site development, and design. Project leaders have adapted to rising construction costs, shifting market conditions, and pandemic-related delays.

Project costs rose from initial estimates of $17 million to approximately $25 million due to nationwide inflation in construction and material markets.

To date, approximately $15 million has been secured through state capital funding, Convention Facilities Authority investment, Convention and Visitors Bureau support, and commitments from local foundations, including the Crabill Family Foundation, Carleton F. & Ruth T. Davidson Trust, Turner Foundation, Walter S. Quinlan Foundation, Springfield Foundation, and Wilson Sheehan Foundation.

Project leaders emphasize that the center will NOT depend on local tax levies or government operating support. Operations will remain under the Convention Facilities Authority, established in 2010 to support convention and visitor facilities throughout Clark County.

“Projects like this require patience, partnership, and sustained effort,” said Mike McDorman, President & CEO of the Greater Springfield Partnership. “What makes this exciting is not only the facility itself, but also the commitment of organizations across Springfield to move forward through changing conditions because they believe this investment benefits residents and support our city’s long-term growth.”

Creating a Community Space for Every Age

While many sports facilities focus solely on tournaments or elite competition, this project adopts a broader approach. Plans include eight premium basketball courts that can convert into 16 volleyball courts or 24 pickleball courts. The flexible design also accommodates conventions, trade shows, educational programs, and community events.

Local access remains central to the operating model. Approximately 70 percent of all venue usage is reserved for the Springfield community, for local teams, organized recreation, and community programming.

Planned activities include:

• Youth sports leagues
• Public fitness and walking programs
• Summer camps
• Family recreation nights
• Police Athletic League programming
• Mentorship opportunities
• Community wellness activities
• Educational STEM programming

Partnerships with local recreation organizations will also expand opportunities for public participation beyond competitive athletics. The center will offer programs that promote movement, social connection, and regular activity for all age groups.

Supporting Youth Development Beyond Competition

The Champion City Sports + Community Wellness Center will also expand opportunities beyond traditional recreation.

Plans include hands-on STEM experiences through XtremeSTEM programming, connecting students with future careers in industries such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Programs under consideration include Drone Soccer, XtremeBOTS, and Xtreme3D.

The goal is to provide students with more opportunities to engage in technology, teamwork, and career exploration while staying connected to the community.

For student-athletes and families, the facility will serve as a permanent home venue, supporting local participation and reducing the need to travel outside the region for quality competition space.

Bringing New Visitors Into Downtown Springfield

While local use is the priority, tourism is also important to the project’s long-term value. Projections estimate about 26 major tournament weekends each year. These visitors generate economic activity beyond the courts, including hotel stays, dining at local restaurants, and exploring retail and entertainment options before and after events.

The facility also plans to host eight to ten conventions or trade shows annually. Project leaders expect increased visitor spending to generate new county sales tax revenue and support further private investment.

A future hotel development site is also included in the broader vision for the project area.

Chris Schutte, Vice President of Destination Marketing and Communications, stated that the project enhances Springfield’s ability to attract events that previously bypassed the community. “This center creates opportunities to bring new visitors into Springfield while giving residents something they can use throughout the year,” Schutte said. “When families and teams spend time downtown, they discover local businesses, attractions, and experiences that encourage return visits.”

Continuing Downtown Springfield’s Momentum

The Champion City Sports + Community Wellness Center is being developed during a period of significant change in Downtown Springfield.

Ongoing residential development, business activity, and public investment are reshaping the city center. The planned location at the former Crowell Collier site, between Main and High Streets, aligns the project with this momentum.

Springfield leaders see the center as a step toward a downtown that supports daily life and attracts visitors and investment. As planning and fundraising continue, the project demonstrates ongoing confidence in Springfield’s future.

Connect With Greater Springfield Partnership

The Champion City Sports + Community Wellness Center is the result of years of planning and partnership throughout Springfield and Clark County.

To learn more about the project, community investment efforts, or opportunities related to Springfield’s growth, contact the Greater Springfield Partnership and follow project updates as the next phase progresses.