PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The city of Portage didn’t win its bid for the location of Kalamazoo County’s new youth basketball and volleyball facility, but they haven’t apparently given up on the concept.
They have gotten a presentation from a consulting firm on other youth sports tournament facilities they could host.
Victus Advisors consultant Walter Franco says there is no local facility for baseball and softball tourneys, and a looming gap for ice sheets for hockey, figure skating and curling.
Franco says an ice facility could probably be self-sustaining because of the year round demand, but a big enough baseball complex to attract tourneys would have to have turf, be able to facilitate multiple sports and age groups and could only operate part of the year.
He says it would cost $20-million to $30-million for an eight-diamond baseball/softball complex and around $40 million for an ice complex.
Figuring out how to finance construction would be the challenge. It could be public funding, or money from a benefactor or some combination.
Franco says their research shows a demand for more baseball than hockey tournaments in this regional market.
He says it comes down to whether the community is more interested in boosting tourism or local sports, but both would benefit.
Franco says Portage has the location, the disposable income, and the reputation, and just needs the facilities.
This was a preliminary presentation from Victus Advisors, which is based in Park City, Utah.
The full 250-page consultant’s report is due yet this month.
The council will take up a full discussion of their options at their annual budget retreat, for consideration in next year’s budget.
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