APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new sports facility is officially going to break ground in the Fox Valley.
Wednesday, the city of Appleton approved the required funding plan.
The $30 million indoor sports complex that was supposed to break ground July 9 was in danger of being postponed.
The project will be funded by hotel room tax revenue within the Fox Cities.
The facility required ten Fox Valley communities to sign-off, but the city of Appleton was hesitant.
“I don’t know if we wanted to take our time as much as do our due diligence, just like we do with any major project around here,” said Appleton Common Council alderman Edward Baranowski said. “We’ve had a lot of success.”
In December, Grand Chute approved a gift of land for the sports facility to the Fox Cities Convention and Business Bureau.
It’ll be located north of Greenville Drive and east of McCarthy Road in Grand Chute.
The complex is being developed to drive tourism and is focused on attracting sports teams from outside the area.
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Pam Seidl tells FOX 11 this development is expected it to have a huge economic impact.
“We have a great project that I believe will generate a lot of great economic impact, upwards of $8.9 [million] in the first year, up to $12 million in year five for the Fox Cities community. We’re very excited to move this project along”.
Grand Chute officials long-awaiting the approval were concerned, initially, that Appleton’s hesitation would end up delaying putting shovels in the ground, costing more money.
“The delay, so far, has cost us $40,000 in additional money just for working in the winter time; winterization, and so forth,” said Grand Chute chairman Dave Schowalter. “but my understanding is that interest rates may not be affected by this.”
Wednesday’s unanimous vote, and everyone now on-board, officials say they’re ready to get to work immediately.
The center will include three competition spaces, an NHL sized ice rink for hockey games, as well as four basketball courts and eight volleyball courts.
It’s expected to open in October of 2019.
