Council staff to finalize agreements as Spokane prepares to host 2027 NCAA regional cross-country event

City parks and recreation staff updated the council about a prospective agreement to host the 2027 NCAA Western Regional cross-country championships at the new cross-country course on Flora Road.

John Battelle, parks and recreation director, said Spokane Sports and Gonzaga University successfully bid for the 2027 NCAA regional meet and the NCAA asked the city to sign a venue lease template. City staff and Spokane Sports have been negotiating revisions to add Spokane Sports as the local organizing committee and to clarify which party provides venue services and which party covers event costs. Battelle said Spokane Sports will pay a venue rental fee and will be responsible for event staffing, equipment and operating costs; the city would provide the venue.

The staff presentation said a consultant is developing recommended venue rental and use fees; that fee schedule and a parallel facility-use agreement for regular bookings at the course will accompany the NCAA lease. Battelle said staff hope to bring the NCAA lease and related operations agreement to council as early as next week if final versions are ready, with a facility-use template to follow.

Council members asked about expected rental revenues and whether this NCAA agreement would function as a one-off template for large events; staff said the NCAA template is expansive and unique to a major national event, but the city will develop a repeatable facility-use agreement for routine events and bookings.

The council took no formal action but requested staff return with the finalized agreements for approval.