Check WHAT'S HAPPENING for monthly updates on the Sports Complex

History

Congratulations Rochester Sports!

September 18, 2024

The best Under-20 men's hockey players in the world will descend upon Minnesota in late 2025 and early 2026. The Rochester Recreation Center will be a staging site for two of the teams. READ MORE

RSF Sports Complex September Update

September 15, 2024

Sports Academy staff continue to reach out to all Rochester area groups to gather information as they put together the Market Research Report for City review by September 20th. READ MORE

RSF Sports Complex August Update

The Oak View Group (OVG) is beginning to meet with local groups to collect relevant data for the sports complex.   READ MORE

Chad Behnken

Chad Behnken was born and raised in Rochester and is an owner of Hamilton Real Estate Brokerage and Development Firm. READ MORE

RSF Sports Complex July Update

An agreement for the soon to be constructed Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex (RSRC) has been signed READ MORE

New 180,000-square-foot sports complex to be built in West Henderson, Nev.

July 9, 2024

HENDERSON, Nev. – The City of Henderson has announced a new state-of-the-art indoor sports complex coming to West Henderson, Nev. The planned $70 million, 180,000-square-foot, two-level facility will have the following features: READ MORE

Sports Facility Improvement Grants Available Now!

July 4, 2024

Rochester Sports Foundation is accepting grant applications through September 1st, 2024. READ MORE

RSF Sports Complex June Update

June 14, 2024

City leadership visits area sports facilities READ MORE

Three sites eyed for Rochester's planned $65M sports complex

June 8, 2024

A conceptual indoor rendering from a study done by the city of Rochester about the Rochester Sports & Recreation Complex. Contributed / City of Rochester READ MORE

City Hires OVG Group and Sports Academy

May 21, 2024

The Rochester City Council approved an Operations and Programming Services agreement with Oak View Group/Sports Academy at its meeting on May 20. READ MORE

Sports Complexes Spur Private Development

May 15, 2024

Industry Leading Firm Reports Marked Increase in New Developments Nationwide READ MORE

RSF Sports Complex May Update

April 30, 2024

Boldt reported that there has been a great deal of progress on identifying an operations partner to assist in the operating of the sports complex. READ MORE

ETA Sports Releases the 2023 "State of the Industry

April 24, 2024

“The sport tourism industry continued to grow in 2023, increasing by 7% over sports traveler volume in 2022,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. READ MORE

Chub Stewart

April 3, 2024

Over time we lose those close and important to us. It is a time of sadness but also a time to reflect. The recent loss of Howard “Chub” Stewart strikes numerous emotions for me – mostly of gratefulness and honor. READ MORE

RSF Sports Complex April Update

Currently the City is focusing on two major steps in the planning of the RSRC READ MORE

Rocky Mount NC Sports Complex Booming!

March 22, 2024

Rocky Mount NC Sports Complex Booming! The southern-charmed city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina is located just an hour east of Raleigh. Not only does this manufacturing hub offer beautiful parks and authentic attractions, but it is also home to Eastern North Carolina’s premier sports and entertainment venue: The Rocky Mount Event Center (RMEC). READ MORE

RSF Receives Grant from Rochester Business

March 6, 2024

The Rochester Sports Foundation (RSF) continues to gain support from Rochester businesses with their work to assist in improving sports and recreation facilities for the Rochester area. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Complex March Update

March 4, 2024

Since the passage of the November vote supporting the Regional Sports and Recreation Complex there has been a lot of activity. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Tourism Numbers Bounce back in 2023

February 1, 2024

The work of the Rochester Sports staff, coupled with the end of the pandemic, has helped Rochester's reel in its portion of the $40B annual sports tourism dollars - returning to pre-pandemic numbers. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Banquet Silent Auction is a huge success!

February 1, 2024

The Rochester Area Sports Banquet was held in Rochester on January 15, 2024. It was a great success and fun night run by Rochester Sports and sponsored by Eagle Rock Bank. The Rochester Sports Foundation administered the Sports Banquet Silent Auction sponsored by Shjon Podein's TEAM 25. The sports themed auction raises money for sports facility improvements through the RSF Grant Program. READ MORE

NJCAA Championships bring economic boost to Cedar Rapids

November 15, 2023

Former Rochester Sports Sales Manager and current Tourism Director in Cedar Rapids Iowa says the economy can expect a one-million-dollar boost. READ MORE

Rochester voters approve $65M for new sports complex

November 7, 2023

Rochester voters approved $65M in future tax revenues to fund a proposed sports and recreation complex. READ MORE

Economic Impact of Sports Tourism – Retail

October 17, 2023

Rochester is fortunate to host between 100 and 120 tournaments each year that bring in an average 145,000 visitors.  READ MORE

Sports Tourism at a Glance

October 4, 2023

The notion of people traveling to participate and watch sport dates back to the ancient Olympic Games and the practice of stimulating tourism through sport has existed for over a century. READ MORE

Looking Back - Sports ETA releases its “State of the Industry” Report for the $91.8 Billion Sport Tourism Industry

October 3, 2023

“Our annual State of the Industry report shows that the sport tourism industry has an economic impact of $91.8 Billion supporting 635,000 jobs in our member communities across America,” said Al Kidd, President & CEO of Sports ETA. READ MORE

Groundbreaking for Scheels Sports Park

September 23, 2023

Groundbreaking for Scheels Sports Park Construction to start for a $67 million sports complex opening in 2025 Ceremonial shovels turning over dirt Sept. 20 signaled the start of construction for a $67 million sports complex that city officials said will make Springfield a popular destination for young people competing on traveling athletic teams from throughout the Midwest and beyond. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Board of DIrector's Vote Unanimously to support sales tax extension

September 11, 2023

Rochester Sports has joined other Rochester based organizations in supporting the proposed Rochester Sales Tax Extension - which goes to the local voters on November 7th. Rochester Sports is directly involved in bringing sports tourism to the Rochester area - netting the community annually $25M in direct spending annually. READ MORE

City of Cary, N.C. receives $75 million in funding for sports complex

September 5, 2023

The City of Cary, N.C. has received $75 million in funding for a new sports complex. While the project is still in the early stages, city officials are hoping for a mid-2028 completion. READ MORE

RAEDI Board votes to support renewal of the City of Rochester’s half-cent sales tax

August 31, 2023

Media Release Date of Release: August 31, 2023 Contact: Molly Schmidt, RAEDI Marketing & Communications Director 507-288-0208 or mschmidt@raedi.com RAEDI Board votes to support renewal of the City of Rochester’s half-cent sales tax ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) Board of Directors passed a resolution last week to support the renewal of the city’s half-cent sales tax that would raise $205 million to support four major projects, including a $65 million regional recreation and sports complex, street reconstruction projects ($50 million), an economic vitality fund ($50 million), and $40 million for flood-control and water-quality projects. READ MORE

Rochester chamber gives its endorsement to $205 million sales tax extension

August 28, 2023

ROCHESTER – With little more than two months before a Nov. 7 special election, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is endorsing a renewal of the city’s half-cent sales tax that would raise $205 million for four projects, including a $65 million regional recreation and sports complex. The announcement of the chamber board's support for extending the sales tax was made in a press statement released Monday morning, Aug. 28, 2023. READ MORE

What's Happening with Pickleball?!?

August 17, 2023

Report: Building More Pickleball Courts Needs to be a Priority READ MORE

Midwest Sports Complex Growth Information

August 14, 2023

In recent years many Midwest cities have invested in new sports complexes to increase quality of life for their citizens and also hosted local and regional events and competitions. READ MORE

Impact of Sports Tourism – Restaurants

August 14, 2023

With over 300 food and/or beverage options in Rochester, there is a lot to cheer about when it comes to sports tourism. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Foundation Board Votes Unanimous Support for Proposed Complex Plan

August 8, 2023

The Board of Directors of the Rochester Sports Foundation (RSF) voted unanimously to support the newly proposed Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex. READ MORE

Pickleball America aims to be among world’s largest indoor pickleball venues

August 3, 2023

STAMFORD, Conn. — Pickleball America aims to become one of the largest indoor pickleball venues in the world as it takes over an 80,000-square-foot anchor space in the Stamford Town Center mall this summer. The organization plans to open 28 courts in two phases—Phase 1 will begin immediately with the first floor (43,000 square feet), with the second floor (37,000 square feet) opening in the following months. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Foundation Board visit Sanford Sports Complex

July 18, 2023

Each year the staff and board of Rochester Sports Foundation plans and visits a new regional sports complex. In 2021 the group went to Wisconsin Dells/ Mauston area to visit the Woodside Sports Complex. In 2022 the group went to Davenport Iowa and visited the TBK Bank "Bettplex", Coralville Iowa and the Xtream Arena and Woodmen Baseball Park. In 2023 the plan was to visit the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls SD. There is nothing like driving to and walking through a sports complex. These facilities have been planned for and financed in a way to attract visitors yet be used and enjoyed by their communities. Seeing them in person helps us to draw conclusions that we can apply to facility planning in Rochester. Watch for more details to come regarding this visit (facts, group observations and more).... READ MORE

The Benefits of Youth Sports In Local Communities (And How Businesses Can Support Them)

June 27, 2023

There’s no question—well, at least there shouldn’t be—about the importance that recreation, youth sports and park systems play in supporting, serving and improving a community. Whether it’s a rural town or a bustling metropolitan city, these assets can be both popular and important. Outside of the obvious benefits of physical activity the CDC highlights to one’s physical, mental and emotional health and well-being, studies have shown that well-designed and planned parks have the potential to reduce crime. READ MORE

Pat Sexton

June 26, 2023

We are pleased to announce our newest member to the RSF board, Pat Sexton. READ MORE

Unified tourism voice brings most success

June 24, 2023

Facilities are key to attracting and retaining top-tier events that drive economic impact and overnight hotel stays to a destination. READ MORE

Economic Impact of Sports Tourism – Hotels

June 15, 2023

Sports tourism seems to be a catch phrase these days, but it has a real economic impact. READ MORE

Farmington Utah Facility similar to proposed Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex

June 13, 2023

READ MORE

RSF Director Speaks at 2023 Sports ETA Facilities Summit

May 23, 2023

READ MORE

Rochester council receives update on study tied to proposed sports and recreation complex

May 17, 2023

Rochester council receives update on study tied to proposed sports and recreation complex Randy Petersen, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn. Mon, May 15, 2023 at 7:05 PM CDT·3 min read READ MORE

Does Rochester Need a New Multi-Purpose Sports and Entertainment Facility?

April 25, 2023

READ MORE

Rochester Sports and Community Center Update

April 25, 2023

READ MORE

Officials say Legacy Pointe Sports Complex will increase sports tourism in Springfield

April 20, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, ILL (WICS/WRSP) — The long-awaited sports complex is finally happening. Springfield City Council approved the Legacy Pointe Sports Complex on Tuesday night. The project has been in the works for the last couple of years, and now, the city council gave the green light for funding. READ MORE

Rebecca Tesch

April 17, 2023

Rebecca (Becca) Tesch is a strong believer in the 4 H’s: being helpful, staying honest, always hard working and having a sense of humor. READ MORE

The Sports World Flocks to Ft. Worth, TX

April 13, 2023

2022 was a banner year for sports tourism in the city of Fort Worth,TX READ MORE

Olmsted County Youth Population

April 13, 2023

OLMSTED COUNTY’S YOUTH POPULATION BY AGE 2021 READ MORE

Rochester Sports Banquet a Success!

April 10, 2023

The Rochester Sports Banquet, hosted by Rochester Sports and sponsored by ONB Bank, was successfully held on January 16th, 2023. Area athletes, teams and coaches were honored before a packed house and the Rochester Event Center. READ MORE

Pickleball Courts in Stamford Connecticut

April 6, 2023

READ MORE

Sports Tourism: What Does It Mean for You and Your Community? 


April 4, 2023

On a much smaller scale, sports tourism is that weekend baseball tournament that brings in 50 teams to your town. No matter how big or small, those impacts make a difference. READ MORE

Clash Wrestling Tournament

March 31, 2023

The Clash Wrestling tournament - created as a holiday wrestling tournament where the top teams from across the US came to see how they ranked against other national powerhouses in a team dual format - was first held in 2003 at the RCTC Fieldhouse. It eventually grew to be the premier team high school tournament in the country. Thanks to a dedicated group of wrestling volunteers - it has now hit its twentieth year. However, rather than being held in Rochester where it was created, it is now held in Lacrosse Wisconsin due to venue relationship issues here in Rochester. It belongs back in Rochester! READ MORE

World Tug of War held in Rochester MN 1999 and 2004

March 31, 2023

Looking Back: Rochester was host of the 2004 World Tug of War Championships! READ MORE

Rochester City Sales Tax Extension

March 31, 2023

READ MORE

Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana

March 29, 2023

Lafreniere Park Soccer Complex, READ MORE

RochesterSports Banquet

March 26, 2023

The 17th Annual Rochester Sports Banquet is to celebrate the achievements of the top amateur athletes in the Southeastern Minnesota area, from the 2022 calendar year. The banquet was established in 2006 and is hosted by Rochester MN Sports each year. This year's silent auction proceeds will go to the Rochester Sports Foundation to assist in the development and enhancement of youth sport organizations. READ MORE

National Sports Facilities

March 26, 2023

Cities across the nation are adding high quality sports facilities READ MORE

Midwest Regional Facilities:

March 26, 2023

The map shows numerous cities and communities in the Midwest READ MORE

Rochester Facility Projects

March 26, 2023

Sports tourism was documented as a $323.42 billion industry in 2020 READ MORE

Florence Sports Complex

March 23, 2023

FLORENCE, S.C. – Florence has its latest fields of dreams with the 75-acre Florence Sports Complex. The complex (located on Jennie O'Bryan Avenue, next to the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center) already has Carolina Bank Field, home to the Coastal Plain League’s Florence Flamingos. Now, it has five LED-lighted Little League Baseball fields (four batting cages for these) and an LED-lighted high school-regulation diamond (with bullpens, and players can use batting cages at Carolina Bank Field). But that’s not all. There is an LED-lighted track & field facility. The opening ceremony for Little League Baseball is 9 a.m. Saturday on the high school/regulation field (Field No. 1). And youth games will start at 10 a.m. on Fields 2 through 6. READ MORE

Rochester Sports Foundation grant to Sports Mentorship Academy

March 15, 2023

Rochester Sports Foundation, in step with the Mayo Clinic, presented sports mentorship academy with a $5,000 check to help youth needing court time to have an option. READ MORE

Quad Cities Announces Newly Branded Sports Commission

March 15, 2023

As Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination management and marketing organization (DMMO), reinvigorates its sports tourism direction, they announced today a newly reorganized and reimagined Quad Cities Sports Commission, now known as Sports QC Powered By Visit Quad Cities. READ MORE

Plan in the Works for Duluth

March 15, 2023

Like many places in the Northland, Duluth relies on tourism and the revenue that comes along with it, and making sure that they are up to date and in good condition is key. READ MORE

Odessa Texas

March 9, 2023

ODESSA, Texas — The path to a potential sports complex in the City of Odessa continued Wednesday night as the Parks and Recreation department hosted members of the community to further explain the process. Synergy Sports is currently performing a feasibility study that will be used to determine whether or not a sports complex could work in the city. READ MORE

Lincoln, Nebraska

March 8, 2023

LINCOLN — Developers joined a state senator on Wednesday in seeking state help to create a “destination” retail-sports-entertainment complex that would rival “The Legends” area in Kansas City, which draws 15 million visitors a year. READ MORE

Major League Pickleball

March 2, 2023

Last summer saw a new entry into the arena of elite, team-based sports leagues – and it might be the most surprising of all: Major League Pickleball. READ MORE

Kreg Kauffman Profile

March 2, 2023

In 1995, Kreg Kauffman—trial lawyer and sports enthusiast—accepted his first traumatic brain injury case and began working regularly with people with disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. READ MORE

West Monroe Invests in $22 Million Sports Tourism Complex

READ MORE

sports tourism continues to thrive

January 2, 2023

READ MORE

Pasco County, Florida

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve plans to develop a multi-use tourism sports facility on an approximately 224-acre, county-owned parcel of land located in the Wesley Chapel area. READ MORE

Noblesville, Indiana

A consultant's report says a $38.3 million sports complex on Madison's Southeast Side can make a profit and generate millions of dollars in spending and produce hotel stays. Madison and partners can create a $38.3 million sports complex. READ MORE

Clark County

February 21, 2023

A proposed $44 million youth sports complex in Clark County could lead to millions in new investment and provide a needed boost to area businesses and hotels, local leaders said. READ MORE

THINK OUTSIDE THE TYPICAL SPORTS BOX

September 14, 2020

In addition to having the right facilities, destinations are realizing more than ever they have to think beyond the typical sports. There are a variety of up-and-coming niche sports that can create economic impact just as much as more traditional sports like baseball, softball, and READ MORE