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Consultants tell Osage Beach there is demand for an indoor sports and events center, but public subsidy likely required
Summary
Victus Advisors presented phase‑2 findings: demand for an indoor multi‑use sports center, six candidate sites with a slight edge for Site 1, projected economic output and hotel nights, and an operating model that often requires public subsidy for facilities owned by public entities.
The board received a phase‑2 presentation from Victus Advisors on the feasibility of a year‑round indoor sports and event center for Osage Beach and the lake area.
Walter Franco, principal at Victus Advisors, said the study found market demand for a flexible indoor facility (for example, at least eight convertible courts for basketball/volleyball) and identified six potential sites near US‑54. He said Site 1 had a slight competitive advantage because it was near two hotels that align with sports tourism needs (Days Inn and Holiday Inn).
Franco presented preliminary demand and fiscal projections: in some scenarios the facility could attract more than 200,000 non‑local attendees annually and drive roughly $30 million in total economic output with an estimated 480 new annual jobs. He cautioned that when an indoor facility is publicly owned it commonly requires subsidy to operate; privately owned operators more often run facilities at a profit. Franco highlighted naming rights and event parking as additional revenue opportunities.
City planner Carrie Patterson and the consultant noted next steps would include sharing the full report, refining fiscal assumptions (including county lodging tax realities), and, if the city chooses to proceed, hiring cost estimators and beginning site/funding negotiations. Franco said construction estimates vary widely depending on scope, with ballpark building costs presented in a $30 million–$60 million range depending on scale and finish.
Aldermen asked about location, construction cost ranges and next steps; the consultant said a final report with more detail would be delivered in the coming weeks and recommended the city pursue architects/cost estimators and consider public‑private partnership options if it decides to advance.
