Photos from LakePoint Sports in Cartersville, Ga.
By Thomas Grant Jr.
The new Astroturf at Lexington County Baseball Stadium has hit a “home run” in terms of increased interest for usage by various groups and organizations.
The latest proposed project by the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission could be a “grand slam” for the entire county for years to come.
It’s a proposed Congaree Sports Complex project set to begin construction next year. Described as the “first in the Midlands”, the complex would serve various indoor and outdoor sports all year round and is estimated to generate over 1 million visitors a year.
This would provide an economic impact in terms of sports tourism and increased hotel usage.
Construction would begin in the middle or fall of next year on 300 acres of donated property located off Interstate 77 near the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Centers.
The project received initial approval for a $74 million bond issue from the Lexington County Council at its July 16 meeting. It would fund the project along with $3 million already allocated from the state Senate.
“What (The addition of Astroturf at Lexington County Baseball Stadium) has done is help reinforce the realization of the need in Lexington County for turf ballfields providing so much flexibility of uses which makes the fields more weather resistant,” Gibson said.
Among the features of the two-phase project:
-8 High School/College regulation turf baseball fields. These fields would also accommodate soccer and lacrosse and have two towers for concessions and restrooms along with parking.
– A 150,000 square-foot Indoor multi-sports facility with 12 basketball and 24 volleyball courts. The facility will also have locker rooms and multiple concession stands. In addition, the facility would serve the female sports community in allowing gymnastics and cheer.
Phase 1 is expected to cost $25 million and Phase 2 at $52 million. The state of South Carolina has already allotted $3 million in senate funds with the LCRAC requesting a $74 million bond to cover the cost.
Taxpayers are expected to contribute $14.88 per year for the project. Once completed, it will model the Lakepoint Sports Complex in Cartersville, Ga. which has generated 2.4 million visitors a year.
Another example is the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center which includes the Bleachery Fieldhouse. A partnership with the Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Visit York County, the 170,000 square foot facility connects Winthrop University to Old Town Rock Hill and holds various athletic leagues, sports tournaments, conferences, conventions and other special events.
Having received unanimous first reading approval, the second of three readings will take place Aug. 11. A public hearing must also take place before bond approval.
