Located between the major cities of Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis; Mattoon leaders have announced the proposed development of a new $60M+ indoor and outdoor sports complex that is to be built on ninety-five acres located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Charleston Avenue East and I-57 South in Mattoon, IL. The facility is expected to be anchored by additional hotels, retail and restaurants that will be located immediately adjacent to the complex and integrated as part of a walkable master site plan that will also feature a connection to the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail.
According to SFC, the complex will generate 580,000 visitors, more than $23.8 million in direct spending and more than 59,000 hotel room nights on an annual basis.
The idea to develop what is being called the Lincoln Land of Sports Complex was started in May of 2019 by local business leaders. The City of Mattoon’s long-term plans included the development of a similar idea and Mattoon in Motion has the means to take it the next level. Due to the potential benefits, both economic and social, and the opportunity for community growth that has proven to stem from facilities such as this, Rural King, America’s Farm and Home store, which is headquartered in Mattoon, IL, has agreed to donate the ninety-five acres of land for the build out of the sports complex.
The project is currently promoted by local leaders who represent Mattoon in Motion, the City of Mattoon, the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce, Coles Together and Rural King. The plan is to have Mattoon in Motion lead this project during the study, fundraising and final approval stages. Mattoon in Motion is a local not-for-profit organization focused on the goals, strategies, and projects that will move the City of Mattoon forward. Mattoon in Motion will be working closely with the Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), a trusted resource for communities who want expert planning, funding and management support for their sports tourism, community recreation, entertainment and recreation facilities, along with Goodman Real Estate Services Group, a leading expert in retail real estate marketing and leasing, who currently lead the leasing and marketing of the Cross County Mall in Mattoon.
According to a feasibility study the development could target construction to commence in summer 2022, with a grand opening in 2023. The catalytic project will feature indoor basketball and volleyball courts, as well as outdoor baseball/softball fields along with multi-purpose turf fields. This will draw visitors and traveling teams from cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis among other markets, generating non-local visitation and direct spending through top quality sports tournaments and events for players, coaches and parents who will stay in nearby hotels and explore local restaurants, stores, and other attractions in the area.
According to SFC, the complex will generate 580,000 visitors, more than $23.8 million in direct spending and more than 59,000 hotel room nights on an annual basis.
Once the Mattoon Community Leaders are ready to approve the project The Sports Facilities Companies are ready to transition the project from the feasibility and financial forecasting phase to the funding, financing and strategic partnership development support phase and is anticipated to lead the organizational and business development of the property during construction and ultimately manage all aspects of daily operations after the Grand Opening. SFC’s full-service firm provides leadership and support in event booking, tournament development, branding and marketing strategy, human resources, legal, risk management, and more. The firm represents the SFM Network sfnetwork.com, the nation’s largest and fastest growing collection of sports and recreation facilities.
The Development’s vision is to leverage the economic and social benefits of the growing sports tourism industry, which continues to expand rapidly — now accounting for $45.1 billion in spending in the United States according to a landmark new study conducted by the Sports Events and Tourism Association, an increase of over five percent from the previous year. In addition, that spending generated $103.3 billion in direct, indirect, and induced business sales and generated more than sixty-nine million hotel room nights.
Newly elected Mayor and lifelong resident of Mattoon, Rick Hall says “This project fits very well with the direction suggested by citizens and the City Council members at a city planning meeting held June 23, 2021. The City Council still needs to complete its analysis of the project to determine how it can partner with other community leaders on this regional sports complex. We look forward to working with both SFC and Goodman Real Estate Services Group to help transform our City into a unique youth and amateur sports destination. The Lincoln Land of Sports Complex will become a much-needed community asset that will be a driver of traffic, a new business catalyst and job creator that will usher in a new era of growth for the City of Mattoon.”
To learn more about the Lincoln Land of Sports Complex being planned for Mattoon, Illinois please visit mattoonsportscomplex.com. To begin your journey in developing a sports tourism destination, visit: Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) or the sfnetwork.com.
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