A game changer: $28M indoor sports complex could come to Erie County

SANDUSKY — Erie County commissioners and Cedar Fair executives once again teamed up to possibly build yet another sports venue.During Thursday's public meeting, elected officials listened to a presentation from representatives of the amusement park.The plan calls for constructing a $28 million indoor youth athletic complex next to Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky.Among some of the preliminary project's particulars:Q: What would go inside the complex?A: The 185,000-square-foot facility would consist of:• Hardwood floors catering to 10 regulation-sized basketball courts, which can convert into 20 regulation-sized volleyball courts• A "championship arena" with retractable seating for fans to watch the game• A sports medicine facility paid for, developed and supervised by Firelands Regional Medical Center• An indoor walking trail, open to the community• A recreation center, open to the community• A grand lobby, or mezzanine, with event space available to rent out for community functions• A "rest area" to support the future development of an outdoor nature trail running parallel to Sandusky Bay and weaving by this propertyAn artist rendering shows what a $28 million indoor sports complex could look like. If approved by Erie County commissioners, it would be built next to Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky.Q: What's the expected timeline?A: Erie County commissioners should make a decision on the project sometime within the next several weeks. If county commissioners approve the project this summer, construction could begin this year, and the site would be ready for games by early 2019.Q: What benefits would this facility deliver to Erie County?A: Initial projections show the facility attracting more than 70,000 additional visitors annually, generating:• About $85 million in new economic impact• About $700,000 in new tax revenues going toward local school districts, governments and other public servicesQ: Who is performing the study? How much does it cost? How will it be funded?A: Sports Facility Management is working on developing a plan, which costs $40,000. Three different entities — Lake Erie Shores & Islands, the Erie County commissioners and Cedar Fair — are splitting the expense.Based in Florida, Sports Facilities Management manages, operates and optimizes sports, entertainment and recreation assets. The company has performed many of these studies at well-renowned athletic complexes across the U.S.An artist rendering shows what a $28 million indoor sports complex could look like. If approved by Erie County commissioners, it would be built next to Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky.Q: If approved, how will the $28 million indoor sports complex be funded?A: Funding breaks down into two major components:• About $5 million is coming from Cedar Fair, which is also assuming all operating risk, including covering any yearly operating losses• About $23 million is coming from bed tax money, a fee tacked onto overnight stays in area motels, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and the likeErie County officials promised not to dedicate, spend or raise any local tax to pay for this project, largely catering to tourists.It's a similar funding mechanism to funding the $23.5 million Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center outdoor facility, either exclusively or adaptable for baseball, lacrosse, soccer and softball play.Q: Who supports the deal?A: Many area officials, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.Among some more notable names:• Erie County commissioner Pat Shenigo: This is an exciting opportunity to again partner with Cedar Fair, a public company with over $1 billion in annual revenues, that is going to guarantee this project, including all monies that we contribute. For several years now, we have been looking at how to fill our 8,000 hotel rooms, many of which are empty during the winter months. An indoor complex would generate increased visitation to our area, leveraging our existing infrastructure, restaurants, shops and hotels.• Firelands Regional Medical Center president and CEO Martin Tursky: We are extremely excited to collaborate with Cedar Fair on this project to bring a world-class, state-of-the-art indoor sports facility to young athletes. Our hope is that this facility will help them develop healthy, active lifestyles and gain skills for success on the field. We want to inspire athletes of all ages and ability levels to reach their full potential. We also want to thank our county commissioners for seeing the benefits of this indoor facility. Without their support, this dream would not become a reality.• Sandusky ex officio mayor Dennis Murray Jr.: This is an amazing opportunity to leverage our current entertainment assets, including hotels and restaurants, and put them to use during the offseason and, at the same time, increase wages, business revenues and government tax receipts at all levels. It sounds like magic, but it's really just plain brilliant.• Cedar Fair's executive vice president and general counsel Duff Milkie: People just don't come to an attraction; They come to an entire community. As we continue to grow Cedar Point as a resort destination, we recognize the importance of a strong, vibrant and a growing surrounding community. The addition of an indoor facility represents a key step for the area related to the goal of continuing the transition of the area into a year-round tourism destination.• Erie County commissioner Matt Old: Cedar Point and Cedar Fair have been great partners in our Sports Force Park. It is a beautiful facility and an asset for our community. I am happy to hear they would like to build on the momentum and invest more in our community. I look forward to working with both to continue enhancing our community. Working together, great things continue to happen for Erie County. It's important to note that these facilities would be built with tourists tax dollars.• Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser: The partnership between Cedar Fair and Erie County will add another major attraction to an already thriving destination community.• Lake Erie Shores & Islands executive director Larry Fletcher: We are excited to have the opportunity to continue our collaboration with the community to add momentum to the outdoor facility. Our area hoteliers have indicated strong support for this project.• The Sport Force's president Brian Storm: An indoor complex in this community, based on the success of the outdoor complex, make sense, and it will be another nice addition for the community.An artist rendering shows what a $28 million indoor sports complex could look like. If approved by Erie County commissioners, it would be built next to Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.