NEWS: Newport News Anticipates Results of $218K Sports Center Study
Report will assess new venue’s feasibility as sports tourism options multiply across the region and State
The City of Newport News has embarked down a road well traveled in the region as it considers building a multi-use, multi-million dollar sports-focused venue. Information provided free of charge by the City in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request shows that $218K was spent to commission a feasibility study for the proposed project. The results will be used by the City to determine the viability of a new sports facility. In a response to an email, a City representative stated that the study is still ongoing, though an initial report is hoped for by the end of this month.
The contract for the feasibility study was signed in November 2024 with Jones Lang LaSalle, which also partnered with several other companies including engineering firm Kimley-Horn and industry consultants Sports Facilities Companies. Among the specific factors being looked at for the feasibility study include market analysis, facility considerations, and an overall economic impact analysis. A specific goal stated in the Request for Proposal for the study is to determine specific details about the potential annual operating costs, such as management fees, as well as upkeep and maintenance of the facility.
Summary of costs for each phase of the feasibility study + travel budget:
Phase Subtotal Phase I: Project Initiation - $14,942
Phase II: Market Analysis - $10,844
Phase III: Site Visits, Tours, and Community Engagement - $36,756
Phase IV: Facility Analysis - $108,136
Phase V: Economic Impact Analysis - $3,919
Phase VI: Implementation Timeline - $12,237
Phase VII: Comprehensive Report - $23,586
Total Fee for Scope: $210,416
Travel Budget: $8,300
In their winning bid to conduct the feasibility study, Jones Lang LaSalle also proclaimed their desire and ability to assist the city in “the predevelopment, development, and operations” for any new facility. “By providing comprehensive management, from planning to construction and implementation, we can ensure that the vision for this complex can become a reality,” the bid states.
Sports tourism landscape
Should Newport News decide to move forward with the project, their venue would compete with several built by other local jurisdictions in order to attract youth sports tournaments and other cultural events. A similar venue opened in Virginia Beach in 2020 and the sports complex being built in Williamsburg is expected to open in 2026.
Ryan Murphy reported earlier this year for WHRO Public Media that Hampton is the site of several venues, including a popular swimming facility, and also noted that Norfolk is considering building a hockey and ice skating focused venue at Military Circle. Other nearby facilities also include a sports venue in Henrico County, as well as one proposed in Prince William County as well as Pittsylvania County/Danville.
As Murphy pointed out for WHRO, the emergence of sports-focused facilities mirrors the increase in spending for youth sports and the accompanying belief that the industry can successfully weather economic pressures. The sense that parents will continue to make children’s activities a priority is widespread among many government economic development experts.
The sentiment was echoed at a Newport News City Council meeting in November 2024 whenVice Mayor Curtis Bethany III commented on a recent professional conference at which sports tourism was a frequent topic. “Sports tourism isn't going anywhere. It's a billion plus dollar industry … we're getting somewhere with a feasibility study in regards to what we can do and find out what opportunities are before us,” he said.
Newport News recently conducted a public forum to solicit feedback about the potential sports complex and according to the project’s official website, an online poll conducted to gauge community support garnered 130 votes, of which 83% indicated support for the new facility. Some of the items respondents were asked to rank in terms of desirability included indoor courts for basketball, volleyball and pickleball. Other items considered in the survey included an indoor turf field, meeting/event space as well as outdoor athletic fields.
(Several AI tools were used to help research and fact check this post.)
Download the winning bid for the sports complex feasibility study below:
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