By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Bloomington-Normal won’t be able to cut many corners should local governments decide to build an indoor-outdoor multi-sports complex that has an estimated price tag of almost $43.6 million, according to a consultant who unveiled the findings of a feasibility study on Monday.
Both councils and the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau shared the $47,000 cost of the report. Sports Facilities Advisory’s Chief Operating Officer Evan Eleff said the venue has to be spectacular to compete with other communities like Rockford and Indianapolis.
“You can’t expect a parking lot in with some grass fields and just stripe them for a tournament and expect to compete in the long term,” said Eleff.
He has four preferred sites picked out, but did not reveal the locations. He recommended 16 outdoor fields, a dozen of them lighted and with synthetic turf, with enough room for a full-size cricket field. He also proposes a 130,000 square foot dome with five multi-purpose fields, including space for two youth baseball or softball fields.
Eleff envisions the venue can host up to 15 tournaments a year, a surprisingly small number, according to Bloomington Alderman Mboka Mwilambwe.
“That seemed like a low number. One a month, almost, if not less than that,” Mwilambwe said.
Eleff said the complex would have to reserve time for use by local residents. He projected the complex would break even in three years.
Normal Mayor Chris Koos said there’s been some interest from potential private investors.
“We have been approached in an inquisitive manner, not saying ‘we’re in.’ They’re interested and they want to look at it to be part of it,” Koos said.
Meantime, elected leaders have to decide whether the idea worth futher exploration.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
