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City hears proposal for large indoor sports complex on RDA land; council suggests feasibility study
Summary
Staff presented an exploratory proposal for a 100,000–140,000 sq ft indoor sports facility on RDA-owned property to host tournaments year-round; consultants and Sports Salt Lake argued the facility could generate significant economic activity and the council asked for a feasibility study to examine costs, land needs and access for residents.
Harold Malini (CMO staff) told the council staff were presenting an alternative option for RDA-owned property near the Utah Cultural Celebration Center: a dedicated indoor sports facility intended to reduce travel for local athletes and attract regional tournaments.
Clay Partain (Sports Salt Lake) said sports tourism is a major industry and presented comparables and national figures, citing an industry report that placed sports-tourism economic activity in the hundreds of billions nationally. He described venue comparables that ranged from $15–$30 million development costs and 130,000–145,000 square feet of dedicated space, and he argued a facility with roughly 12–15 basketball courts (100,000–140,000 sq ft) could host regional and national events and operate year-round.
Council members asked practical questions about acreage needs, the mix of sports (basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and constraints around baseball/softball because of land needs), revenue-sharing under public-private partnership (P3) models, the balance of tournament versus resident access, and how local athletes would be prioritized for access during heavy tournament schedules. Several members suggested a formal feasibility study to address economics, operations, and land-use constraints.
Malini and Partain emphasized they were not asking the council to decide now, only whether the council was interested in pursuing discussions with potential partners and a feasibility study.
Next steps: staff recommended meeting with potential partners and a feasibility study to return financial and operational options to the council for further consideration.
