New sports complexes could be built in Little Rock through ballot initiatives meant to spur economic growth

Little Rock, Arkansas – In relation to the city’s Results for the Rock November sales tax ballot issue, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau presented its sports proposal plan to a number of interested business organizations on Wednesday.

The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau commissioned research from Sports Facilities Companies to determine the precise demands of the sporting community.

According to Leland Couch of Little Rock Parks and Recreation, “the majority of citizens who are involved in sports are traveling to other cities and want to know why they can’t do that here in Little Rock.”

One of the most important discoveries was that the Sports Events and Travel Association has been monitoring the expansion of the sports sector, which is predicted to rise by $53 billion for child sports and $80 billion overall by 2026, according to officials.

According to city officials, the planned indoor and outdoor complexes would draw visitors to the capital city and help with the issue of traveling for tournaments.

According to officials, the complexes will generate $43.2 million in direct spending income annually.

The financial projection for indoor sporting facilities by sports facilities, according to officials, entails $4.2 million in revenue at maturity, 12.5 acres of development costs worth $60 million, and 331,000 visitors.

More than 30 sports and 117 non-sports events will be available, according to officials, in the indoor facility.

The financial projection for sports facilities’ outdoor athletic facilities, according to officials, consists of $55 million for 52.63 acres of development costs, 319,428 visits yearly at stabilization, and $1.3 million in top-line revenue at maturity.

According to officials, there will be 33 competitions and activities at the outdoor arena.
Local Aaron Taylor agreed, saying, “I mean, it’s the capital of Arkansas, so yeah, it will definitely be, it’s a good idea.”

Mayor Frank Scott Jr. claims that the one-cent sales tax increase will support every sports facility and help the city’s businesses.

“They spend more money, dine with us, visit our museums, and stay at our hotels,” Couch remarked.

The synthetic turf fields offer versatility for baseball, softball, soccer, and football, while the complexes offer flexible courts for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. The availability of the facilities is contingent upon the sales tax initiative’s success on the November ballot.