Photo Credit: Courtesy of City Of Kennewick
As many people can attest, building a successful sports and events complex has its challenges. Among the toughest decisions are where the money will come from, which amenities should be included, and how to ensure the complex will be successful. All of these questions can be answered with a little research.
Oftentimes, when building a complex that costs millions of dollars, the decision even to move forward can be overwhelming. The city of Kennewick in Washington was in dire need of a multi-use complex for years, and after extensive research, the city decided to move forward with the Southridge Sports and Events Complex—an indoor and outdoor sports and events complex that would cost about $9.98 million. While the facility was a huge undertaking, it has been tremendously successful since opening in March 2012.
Listen To Your Demographics
City officials spent years collecting data and talking to potential user groups with a vested interest in the complex. The groups were able to see the proposed site and give their opinions about the 52-acre property. It was felt that the people who would be using the complex should rightfully have the most say in the amenities offered; after all, they were the ones who would provide the most revenue. The city originally had planned to build six baseball/softball fields, but after the public input, it made more sense to build four baseball/softball fields, two soccer fields, and an indoor sports pavilion. Other features included an aquatic area, gazebo, and playground. The community play area was to be the only “non-fee” amenity of the complex.