A ,000 study prepared by Sports Facilities Advisory of Clearwater, Florida for the Madison Area Sports Commission said a .3 million sports complex built on 74 acres of city and tribal lands by the city of Madison, Wisconsin and Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison would generate .1 million in revenue and operate at a 7,000 deficit in its first year, but revenue would grow to .8 million with a 0,000 profit by the fifth year. The complex also would generate .6 million in direct spending in its first year and .8 million by the fifth year, and help create 18,000 hotel room nights in the first year and 27,000 room nights by the fifth year, the study said.
The report “confirmed what we know about local demand. It confirmed Madison is a destination in the region with real potential to attract visitors,” said Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp. He added the project would “create a strong working relationship with the tribe, create much-needed sports facilities with lighting and restrooms for use by city residents and support a tourism industry that brings visitor dollars to the community.”
The indoor complex would include a 15,188 square foot structure with a family entertainment center, office space and food and beverage options, plus a 101,865 square foot dome with full-size, multi-purpose turf field, batting cages and pitching tunnels and a training area. The outdoor facilities would include six artificial-turf multipurpose fields, four multi-purpose grass fields, support buildings and 960 parking spaces for local activities and regional tournaments on 67.5 acres owned by the city.
The Ho-Chunk Nation owns 48 acres next to its casino near the Beltline-Interstate interchange where it would develop a hotel and casino expansion with multiple food and beverage facilities, a DeJope Heritage Center with exhibition areas, a great room, artist studios, educational programming spaces, retail, a cafe and a parking garage.
It has not yet been determined how costs would be shared, project timing and other issues. Knepp said, “That’s the next stage.” Knepp said the study will be presented to the city park commission and city council executive committee, and discussions will continue with the tribe regarding funding and other issues.
