The groundbreaking ceremony for Scheels Sports Park wasn't just a pivotal moment for sports enthusiasts; it was a landmark event for the commercial construction industry in Springfield and the broader Midwest. This $67 million sports complex is set to become a state-of-the-art facility, offering both job opportunities and technological advancements in construction.
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher, along with about 300 people from the local business community and government units, celebrated this groundbreaking event. The ceremony culminated years of planning and collaboration to create a 95-acre indoor and outdoor sports complex, expected to open by the end of 2025. For commercial construction professionals, this project represents an opportunity to showcase cutting-edge construction techniques and materials, setting a new standard for sports complexes.
The Illinois Times states that beyond its role as a sports venue, the complex is expected to be an economic catalyst for Springfield, generating an estimated $25 million a year in new spending. For the construction sector, this translates to job opportunities ranging from site engineers to skilled tradespeople, not to mention the ancillary jobs created in material supply and logistics.
"This project will change how Springfield sees Springfield. It’ll change how other people see Springfield. It’s a sign that we can achieve big things in our community when we work together between the public sector, the private sector, all the large governmental bodies (and) the financial institutions.”
President & Chief executive Officer of Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance | Ryan McCrady
The 95-acre complex poses unique engineering and design challenges, including the construction of lighted turf fields and a 190,000-square-foot air-supported dome. These features provide an opportunity for construction firms to innovate and solve problems, further elevating the industry's standards.
The sports complex will be a state-of-the-art facility, offering both outdoor and indoor spaces. The outdoor areas will feature lighted turf fields for:
- Soccer
- Softball
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Baseball
The site will also include an air-supported, inflated and domed structure for year-round indoor use. It will cover 190,000 square feet and provide enough space for:
- Eight basketball courts
- 16 volleyball courts
- Performance areas
- Turf training areas
The project's unique public-private partnership model could serve as a blueprint for future commercial construction projects. Sales and hotel-motel taxes will cover about half of the construction costs, with the rest financed by developers and local banks. This collaborative funding approach may offer valuable insights for construction professionals involved in project financing and contract negotiation.
The Springfield City Council recently dissolved the former South Central Business District to create a new one with a maximum 23-year lifespan that coincides with other economic incentives in the city’s agreement with Legacy Pointe Development.
The business district, about double the size of the previous district, includes the sports complex and imposes an additional 1% sales tax on purchases at Scheels and other businesses in the district for use by the city for infrastructure improvements in the district.
Given the scale and visibility of the project, sustainability and technology integration will likely be key focus areas. From energy-efficient lighting to advanced HVAC systems, the complex offers a platform for implementing green construction practices. Additionally, the use of construction management software and other tech tools will be crucial for timely and efficient project completion.
The project also presents an opportunity for skill development among construction workers. Specialized training in areas like turf installation, dome construction, and sustainable building practices will not only benefit the workers involved in this project but also add value to the local construction workforce.
The Scheels Sports Park project is more than just a new sports facility; it's a showcase for the capabilities of modern commercial construction. From innovative funding models to advanced engineering challenges, the project offers numerous learning and growth opportunities for construction professionals.
Call-to-Action: Whether you're a site engineer, a project manager, or a skilled tradesperson, keep an eye on the developments at Scheels Sports Park. This project is not just building fields and courts; it's shaping the future of commercial construction in Springfield and beyond.