A Deeper Dive into the Vision for a Flathead Valley Sports Complex: Uniting Community, Economy, and Passion for Sports

The Catalyst for Change: Unpredictable Weather and a Community’s Response

In the heart of northwest Montana, where unpredictable weather patterns have become a norm, a movement is brewing to transform the region’s sports landscape. The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the challenges posed by smoke-filled summers and unpredictable spring blizzards, hosted a luncheon in February 2024 to explore the potential of a state-of-the-art indoor sports complex. This ambitious vision aims to not only provide a haven for local athletes but also to stimulate the economy and foster a vibrant community spirit.

The Economic Impact of Sports Tourism: A Lucrative Opportunity

Evan Eleff, a partner at The Sports Facilities Companies, presented compelling evidence highlighting the significant economic impact that sports tourism can have on a community. Families with children participating in club and travel sports programs are known to spend generously during weekend tournaments, with expenditures ranging from $800 to $1,600. Eleff emphasized that attracting even a fraction of these visitors could make a substantial difference in the Flathead Valley’s economy.

However, Eleff stressed the importance of having top-notch facilities to entice visitors. He unveiled a “dream big” concept for a facility that would include multiple basketball courts, turf fields, and two ice rinks, one permanent and one seasonal. The estimated cost of this ambitious project is between $70 to $100 million. Eleff’s company boasts a successful track record in guiding communities through the entire process, from feasibility studies to fundraising and construction.

Local Business Leaders Take the Initiative: A Private Venture with Community Impact

While the idea of a large-scale sports complex is ambitious, the Flathead Valley has already taken initial steps towards making it a reality. Jeremy Myers, a Columbia Falls insurance agent, and Cara Lemire, the owner of a local construction company and the Sherman Lodge, have joined forces to bring the concept to life. They recently purchased a 25-acre plot of land near Glacier Park International Airport and plan to break ground on their facility in the spring or summer of 2024.

Their preliminary design includes over 220,000 square feet of athletic space, as well as an additional 50,000 square feet of mixed retail space. The facility will feature three main sections: one housing six basketball courts, including a championship court, a building with two or three regulation-sized turf soccer fields, and a hockey building with two sheets of ice.

Myers emphasized the local focus of the complex, aiming to provide year-round practice and competition space for local youth and community athletics. The facility will eliminate the hassle of traveling to multiple locations for different sports, allowing families to optimize their time and resources.

Benefits of the Sports Complex: A Multifaceted Impact

The potential benefits of the proposed sports complex are multifaceted. It will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy through tourism and job creation, while also providing better access for kids to be active and participate in sports. The complex will offer opportunities for local youth and community athletics, providing year-round practice and competition space. It has the potential to attract regional and national sporting events, further enhancing the economic impact.

Public-Private Partnerships and Community Support: A Collaborative Approach

Eleff discussed the advantages of public-private partnerships for large athletic complexes, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to make such ambitious projects a reality. Myers and Lemire, while deciding to move forward without public funding, recognized the importance of community support. They plan to host discussions to fine-tune the design and seek additional financial partnerships.

Feasibility of a Regional Sports Hub: A Thriving Destination for Athletes and Spectators

Eleff presented a compelling case for the Flathead Valley becoming a regional hub for sports tourism. He cited the example of The Podium in Spokane, Washington, which hosts numerous national-caliber competitions in its indoor track and field facility. A similar facility in the Flathead Valley could attract visitors from Montana, Idaho, eastern Washington, and Canada. The estimated total economic impact is projected to be around $9 million in the first year and over $16 million within five years.

Local Interest in Sporting Venues: A Growing Trend

The Flathead Valley has seen a surge of interest in sporting venues in recent years. Construction began last year on an indoor baseball training facility at the ABS Park in Evergreen, and a youth center with a soccer field, basketball, and volleyball courts is proposed as part of a development on the corner of Church Drive and U.S. Highway 93. This growing interest reflects the community’s passion for sports and the need for better facilities to support local athletes and attract visitors.

Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

The opportunity to build a large-scale indoor sports complex in the Flathead Valley is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It has the potential to transform the region into a sports tourism destination, boost the economy, and provide better access to sports for local youth. With the initiative taken by local business owners, the support of the community, and the expertise of The Sports Facilities Companies, this ambitious project has the potential to become a reality and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.