Traveling County outlines proposal for 130,000‑sq‑ft indoor sports facility to boost winter tourism

Samara Phelps, president and CEO of Traveling County, told the Springfield City Council work session that the organization is exploring a 130,000‑square‑foot indoor multiuse sports facility intended to reduce winter visitation volatility and add local court space for youth and community use. "Tourism brings $1,100,000,000 in visitor spending to Lane County and supports 1 in 9 jobs," Phelps said, noting the figure and supporting employment estimate come from a late‑fall market update.

Phelps described the concept as a flexible venue the size of about eight basketball courts (about 16 volleyball courts) that could host weekday local use and weekend tournaments. The feasibility estimates cited in the presentation include 37 tournaments a year, approximately 29,000 new room nights and roughly $21,000,000 in additional visitor spending; Phelps said the market study figures are updated as of October–November 2025.

On costs, Phelps said building and equipping the facility is estimated at about $60,000,000, plus the cost of land. "The math for this has it operationally sustainable in year 3," she said, adding the model shows about $500,000 in revenue by year 5 before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. She emphasized the project is operationally sustainable but "it cannot build itself," explaining that public capital or other upfront public commitments would be required to finance construction.

Phelps outlined a delivery model based on examples elsewhere that combine an initial public sponsor committing annual revenue support with a nonprofit entity serving as the project hub to manage development and hold partners accountable. She said Travel Lane County and Lane County have committed to joint decision‑grade feasibility work, a consultant RFP is posted, and an MOU is under development to clarify Traveling County’s role in capital work. She also said the county’s 2% transient lodging tax (added in 2023) has been discussed as a potential infrastructure funding source.

Council members asked about traffic, weekday access and pricing models. Councilor Buck said an "influx of traffic like this is something we have to consider," and sought assurances that event traffic, dining and circulation would be evaluated for any site. Phelps said site‑specific traffic analysis and local recreation partners (including Willamette Lane) are part of planning. Councilor Quadris asked whether weekday users would pay fees; Phelps said the decision‑grade feasibility will model funding mixes and user fees so weekday access can remain affordable while generating events that drive winter demand.

Phelps listed potential site scenarios under consideration, including the Lane Events Center in Eugene, an adaptive‑reuse opportunity at the former Royal Caribbean property near Gateway in Springfield, and a West Eugene property on West 5th; she said no site has been selected. Phelps asked the council for feedback and said the presentation was informational rather than a request for city action. Lane County budget deliberations were under way and Phelps said how the county allocates its transient lodging tax could influence capital funding options.

The council offered general support and cautioned against over‑engineering. No formal direction, motion or vote was taken at the meeting. Travel Lane County said it will continue feasibility work, refine site‑specific analyses and return as the project advances.