A state-of-the-art sports complex in Oneonta is making progress as developers continue work on the site with the facility expected to open next year.The property is located along 6th Street South and New Street in the heart of downtown. Although the project has appeared slow-moving, substantial work has been underway beneath the surface, including the installation of drainage systems and pipes in preparation for the building and field construction. The idea for this regional sports complex was conceived about five years ago and became official in 2023, aiming to transform the sporting landscape in the Blount County community.”It takes time, but we were very fortunate,” said Danny Kelly, CEO of Hometown Bank, the entity funding the project and chairman of the Blount County Economic Development Council. “While the drought was not good for everybody, it sure helps when you’re building something. And it helped us because we were able to get, I would say we’re 90% plus all underground is done. And so it’s taken a year to do that, but that’s how extensive the project is.”Kelly expressed his excitement for the complex’s opening, highlighting the benefits it will bring to the community. “Not only is it about income, but it’s about a place for everyone to have too because we don’t have anything in our county even close to being able to hold the number of people,” he said.The facility will feature 2,500 permanent seats, four NCAA basketball courts, six NCAA volleyball courts, and pickleball courts inside. Additionally, there will be a multi-use field outside for soccer, flag football, and more. A mezzanine around the upper building will serve as a walking track. Kelly said you’ll be able to access your seat from the top or the bottom making it easy to maneuver.>> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Community coverage from WVTM 13There will be plenty of parking including space for RVs and food trucks. When tournaments are not being played, the goal is for the complex to be open to the community. Kelly said there may be a small fee associated with membership but they’re still working that out. “We had a study done on this complex and it varied anywhere between $15 and $20 million a year that it brings to your community because it has so many ancillary benefits,” Kelly said. “I think that a lot of times what gets overlooked is you’re introducing people to your community that wouldn’t otherwise be here.”The project is being funded by the bank, and Kelly stated that they are on budget, with construction costs ranging between $10 and $12 million. He said it also turned out that a lot of contractors and companies they’re using for the project have ties or are based in Central Alabama. Kelly expects that by this time next year, the project will be completed and teams will be using the facility.>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
A state-of-the-art sports complex in Oneonta is making progress as developers continue work on the site with the facility expected to open next year.
The property is located along 6th Street South and New Street in the heart of downtown.
Although the project has appeared slow-moving, substantial work has been underway beneath the surface, including the installation of drainage systems and pipes in preparation for the building and field construction.
The idea for this regional sports complex was conceived about five years ago and became official in 2023, aiming to transform the sporting landscape in the Blount County community.
“It takes time, but we were very fortunate,” said Danny Kelly, CEO of Hometown Bank, the entity funding the project and chairman of the Blount County Economic Development Council. “While the drought was not good for everybody, it sure helps when you’re building something. And it helped us because we were able to get, I would say we’re 90% plus all underground is done. And so it’s taken a year to do that, but that’s how extensive the project is.”
Kelly expressed his excitement for the complex’s opening, highlighting the benefits it will bring to the community.
“Not only is it about income, but it’s about a place for everyone to have too because we don’t have anything in our county even close to being able to hold the number of people,” he said.
The facility will feature 2,500 permanent seats, four NCAA basketball courts, six NCAA volleyball courts, and pickleball courts inside. Additionally, there will be a multi-use field outside for soccer, flag football, and more. A mezzanine around the upper building will serve as a walking track. Kelly said you’ll be able to access your seat from the top or the bottom making it easy to maneuver.
>> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Community coverage from WVTM 13
There will be plenty of parking including space for RVs and food trucks.
When tournaments are not being played, the goal is for the complex to be open to the community. Kelly said there may be a small fee associated with membership but they’re still working that out.
“We had a study done on this complex and it varied anywhere between $15 and $20 million a year that it brings to your community because it has so many ancillary benefits,” Kelly said. “I think that a lot of times what gets overlooked is you’re introducing people to your community that wouldn’t otherwise be here.”
The project is being funded by the bank, and Kelly stated that they are on budget, with construction costs ranging between $10 and $12 million. He said it also turned out that a lot of contractors and companies they’re using for the project have ties or are based in Central Alabama.
Kelly expects that by this time next year, the project will be completed and teams will be using the facility.