Why Do We Need a Sports Complex?

Sports continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism, generating more than 39.7 billion in direct spending in the United States in 2021, according to a 2022 study conducted by Longwoods International. In Flagler County, a 2023 feasibility study for the City of Palm Coast by The Sports Facilities Companies recommended:

• Capitalizing on the growth in sports tourism and Palm Coast’s strengths in access and location to develop a premier sports tourism complex that attracts, hosts, and retains sports tournaments & events
• Developing a sports complex that will serve as a catalyst for economic development in Palm Coast and the surrounding area
• Improving access to local recreation spaces to meet demand while enhancing the local quality of life 
• Establishing a business model that results in a sustainable operation and creates an opportunity for outside public, private, and/or institutional funding partners to support development and capital improvement costs

According to Synergy Sports Global, income is projected to exceed expenditures by $800,000 to $1.87 million, increasing gradually each year.

The Sports Complex project also aligns with the strategic plans of Flagler County and the Tourism Development Office, which set forth a clear objective of enhancing event facilities based on research and feasibility studies showing which projects would have the greatest potential for increased visitation and economic impact.