From Cricket Fields to Ice Rinks: Modern Sports Facilities Remake Cities as Tourist Hubs
Transforming Landscapes Worldwide: Tourism-Centric Sports Initiatives Altering the International Sporting Arena
Get the latest news and insights on the most progressive sports facility developments around the world.
The Oakland Coliseum's Grand Cricket Makeover: Major League Cricket Comes to Town
In an electrifying change of pace, the Oakland Coliseum, once a beloved baseball venue and home to the Raiders, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The LandTek Group, pioneers in the sports construction industry, are leading the charge as the stadium is reimagined for the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Nine MLC matches will call the historic stadium home, courtesy of transported drop-in pitches from the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
LandTek's dedicated grounds crew, working alongside turf specialists from iconic Adelaide Oval in Australia, will manage the complex process of transporting the pitches nearly 3,000 miles from New York's Eisenhower Park. This ambitious project reflects LandTek's growing international sports construction expertise, as they has built and maintained T20 World Cup venues and now aims to grow the sport of cricket in the United States ahead of its return to the Olympics in 2028.
"This is a significant stride forward," said COO John Sulinski. "We're proud to support MLC in bringing world-class cricket to American fans."
Bradley, Illinois: A 315-Acre Sports Haven Rises from the Farmland
Two years ago, Bradley, Illinois, was little more than farmland. Fast forward to 2025, and the scene has dramatically changed. With a total investment of $47 million, JP Sports has opened 315 Sports Park, a sprawling 126-acre youth sports facility. The complex, which welcomed 50 travel baseball teams for its first weekend, boasts 12 turf fields, walking paths, a playground, ponds, and on-site dining.
This ambitious project is designed to establish Bradley as a regional hub for baseball, softball, and soccer, with six fields currently in use and all 12 expected to be ready by June 2025. The nearby community is abuzz as more than 140 teams prepare to descend upon the area, generating an estimated $300,000 in field rental revenue this season alone.
"There's no denying the quality of this facility," said John Pieritz, owner at JP Sports. "Bradley spared no expense-teams will be amazed."
The transformation of the site took just over a year, culminating in a cost slightly over budget. However, village officials remain optimistic about the long-term economic and community benefits.
"We set out to be the premier destination," said Mayor Mike Watson. "I want this to be the destination of choice."
A Game-Changing Athletic Complex Takes Root at Saint Vincent College
Pennsylvania's Saint Vincent College is breaking ground on an ambitious athletic complex project that's poised to leave a lasting impact on the local sports scene. The facility will feature a variety of cutting-edge amenities to accommodate multiple sports, cater to community events, and strengthen the college's athletic programs.
California's Proposed Folsom Ranch Sports Complex Moves Forward
A significant step has been taken towards bringing a state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility to Folsom, California. The proposed Folsom Ranch Sports Complex, a $90 million project planned on a 21-acre site south of Highway 50, has officially moved forward with the submission of its application to the City of Folsom.
This 410,000-square-foot facility includes a 3,000-seat arena with an NHL-size ice sheet, two additional practice rinks, a covered outdoor turf field, and flexible space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and lacrosse. The venue also aims to host community events, live music, conferences, and festivals.
Should the project be approved, the complex would fill a substantial regional gap in ice facilities and attract over 1.3 million annual visitors. The economic impact of the complex is projected to reach more than $23 million in annual revenue from tourism-related spending.
The project is privately funded and is now undergoing environmental and design review, with construction possibly beginning as early as 2026.
A $120 Million Youth Sports Hub Emerges in Kuna, Idaho
A sweeping 114-acre youth sports complex could reshape the face of Kuna, Idaho, if founder David McMenomey can secure the necessary funding. The proposed True Gritt Sports Complex would feature eight full-size baseball fields, a 200,000-square-foot indoor facility, two hotels, and space for on-site dining. The multipurpose fields would accommodate soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and more, while the indoor center would host basketball, gymnastics, and other youth activities.
McMenomey, founder of the nonprofit True Gritt Youth Sports, has applied for rezoning the available land and partnered with the City of Kuna, which is contributing 20 acres for the project. The estimated $120 million cost depends on private donations, corporate sponsors, and community support. To raise funds, a brick campaign has been launched.
According to an early economic impact study, the complex could generate $26 million in its first year and up to $52 million annually within five years. While traffic and noise concerns loom among residents, local sports clubs are eager for the additional space.
The project will go before Kuna's planning commission in July 2025, with hopes of breaking ground this fall and seeing the complex complete by 2027.
Cape Girardeau's Youth Outdoor Sports Complex Midway Through Construction
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is steadily advancing on its Youth Outdoor Sports Complex, a two-phase project slated for a 2026 debut. When complete, the development will boast five artificial turf baseball fields and, in a later phase, two multipurpose fields along College Street near Jefferson Elementary.
Funded by the Parks & Recreation Stormwater Tax (PRS2) initiative, the project is being developed by local construction company Penzel Construction, known for their work on other sports facilities in the city. Presently, crews are clearing trees and preparing to reroute a drainage ditch on the site.
Parks and Recreation Director Doug Gannon noted that the complex will help alleviate congestion at Arena Park, where shared use with the SEMO District Fair often creates scheduling conflicts. While some games and practices will remain at Arena Park, additional fields may be removed to accommodate future development.
The addition of turf fields will improve playability and reduce weather delays, while also strengthening Cape Girardeau's ability to host major youth tournaments and expand opportunities for local athletes.
Dublin's First Winter Sports Arena Aims to Propel Ireland's Sports Landscape
A whopping $212 million winter sports and entertainment complex is poised to revolutionize Ireland's sports infrastructure. Dubbed Prime Arena, the project is planned for a site in Cherrywood, South Dublin, and will feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks, a 5,000-seat (8,000 standing) venue, and a high-performance training center.
Backed by the Olympic Federation of Ireland and developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the facility will also serve as the home to Dublin's first professional ice hockey franchise. In addition to supporting elite training, youth development, concerts, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate events, the arena aims to fill a long-standing gap in the nation's winter sports infrastructure.
The primary site for the project is located within the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone, ensuring strong transport connectivity via Luas, Dublin Bus, and nearby motorways. The arena is projected to deliver over $257 million in annual socio-economic impact and could become a hub for athletes, fans, and event organizers alike.
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Boosting the Cape Girardeau Sports Scene: Cape Girardeau Youth Outdoor Sports Complex
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is moving forward with its ambitious Youth Outdoor Sports Complex, set for completion in late spring or early summer 2026. This two-phase project, approved under the Parks & Recreation Stormwater Tax (PRS2) initiative, will bring five artificial turf baseball fields to the community. In a later phase, two multipurpose fields will be added near Jefferson Elementary.
Developed by local construction company Penzel Construction, the complex is being built to address congestion at Arena Park, where shared use with the SEMO District Fair often creates scheduling conflicts. Despite this overlap, some games and practices will still take place at Arena Park, with additional fields potentially removed for future development.
The addition of turf fields will enhance playability, minimize weather-related cancellations, and strengthen Cape Girardeau's competitive edge in hosting major youth tournaments. With the Aquatic Center and SportsPlex also among Penzel Construction's portfolio, the city is eager to maintain its reputation as a sports destination.
Countdown to the Cape Girardeau Youth Outdoor Sports Complex: Phase 1 Near Completion
As construction on Cape Girardeau's Youth Outdoor Sports Complex progresses, the excitement simmers as the opening date nears. The first phase of the two-part project, set to debut by late spring or early summer 2026, will bring five artificial turf baseball fields to the city.
The complex, supported by the Parks & Recreation Stormwater Tax (PRS2), promises to alleviate congestion at Arena Park, where the shared use with the SEMO District Fair can make scheduling a challenge. Construction by Penzel Construction, a company known for their work on other local sports facilities like the Aquatic Center and SportsPlex, is proceeding swiftly.
Crews have begun clearing trees and preparing to reroute a drainage ditch on the site to pave the way for the construction of five brand-new baseball fields, complete with artificial turf intended to boost playability and reduce weather-related cancellations.
Dublin's Ice Revolution: Prime Arena readies to shake up the sports landscape
The sports world in Ireland is poised for a shakeup with Prime Arena's plans for a groundbreaking winter sports and entertainment complex in Cherrywood, South Dublin. Backed by the Olympic Federation of Ireland and developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Prime Arena aims to fill a substantial gap in the nation's winter sports infrastructure.
Scheduled for a September 2025 planning submission, the facility will feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks, a 5,000-seat (8,000 standing) venue, and a high-performance training center. The project also plans to support elite training, youth development, concerts, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate events.
The site for Prime Arena, located within the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone, benefits from strong transport connections and is expected to generate over $257 million in annual socio-economic impact. Dubliners and the sports community are eager for this transformative development that could cement the city’s status as a hub for athletes, fans, and event organizers alike.
At the Oakland Coliseum, sports facilities are being transformed to accommodate cricket for the MLC season, with drop-in pitches transported from New York's Eisenhower Park.
In Bradley, Illinois, a 315-acre park is developed into a youth sports hub, featuring turf fields for baseball, soccer, and other sports, aiming to establish the area as a regional hub for multiple sports.
