NW Sports Hub – A Model Public-Private Partnership in Centralia, WA

The Northwest Sports Hub (NW Sports Hub) in Centralia, Washington, stands as a testament to the power of collaborative community development. Conceived in 2010 and officially opened in 2014, this 76,500-square-foot indoor sports facility was the result of a visionary partnership between the Lewis County Public Facilities District (LCPFD), the City of Centralia, the Centralia School District, and Northwest Sports Hub, LLC. The project aimed to revitalize the local economy by transforming Centralia into a premier sports tourism destination.

Facility Profile

• Indoor Arena: The Hub boasts a flexible, open-span arena capable of accommodating eight full-size basketball courts or 14 volleyball courts.

• Synthetic Turf: A state-of-the-art synthetic turf surface allows for full-size softball and Little League games, as well as two full-size indoor soccer fields.

• Outdoor Complex: The facility includes six full-size baseball fields (two lighted, one with seating for 570), two Little League fields (one lighted), eight softball fields (four lighted), six tennis courts, four full-size soccer fields, and a turf football/soccer/track stadium with seating for 3,500 people.

• Additional Amenities: Mezzanine seating, courtside seating, concessions, retail space, and proximity to the Historic Borst Fort and walking trails enhance the visitor experience.

Economic and Community Impact

The NW Sports Hub has significantly boosted Centralia's economy by attracting numerous tournaments and events year-round. While specific annual visitor numbers are not publicly disclosed, the facility's strategic location near Interstate 5 and the Centralia outlet malls has led to increased sales tax revenues, benefiting local businesses, restaurants, and hotels.

The project's success also spurred further investments, including a $450,000 grant from the Centralia Coal Transition Grants Economic & Community Development Board in 2021 to support expansion efforts. This expansion aimed to add four new basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, and enhanced spectator and parking areas, further solidifying the Hub's role as an economic driver.

Founders and Partnerships

Key figures in the development of the NW Sports Hub include Dale Pullin, owner of Thorbeckes FitLife Centers, who played a pivotal role in managing the facility. The LCPFD, established in 2007, managed state-provided funds and oversaw the construction of various sports amenities in the area.

The City of Centralia contributed $1.5 million to the project, anticipating returns through increased tourism and economic activity. The Centralia School District provided land and benefited from upgraded sports facilities, including a new track and turf football field, partially sponsored by TransAlta.

Comparative Analysis: FuturePlay Sports Complex in Happy Valley, OR

Vision and Objectives

FuturePlay Sports is an ambitious project aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art sports complex in Happy Valley, Oregon. The initiative seeks to address the shortage of premier training facilities in Portland's East Side by offering first-class courts, smart technology, and elite tournaments.

Proposed Features

• Comprehensive Facilities: Plans include NCAA-regulation basketball courts, indoor and beach volleyball courts, a dedicated strength and performance training center, and sports recovery services.

• Technology Integration: The facility aims to incorporate video analysis systems, online booking, digital membership tracking, and athlete performance monitoring.

• Community-Centric Approach: FuturePlay emphasizes community engagement through certification and education programs for coaches and officials, youth internships, and mentorship opportunities.

Potential for Public-Private Partnership

Drawing inspiration from the NW Sports Hub model, FuturePlay could benefit from a public-private partnership involving local government entities, school districts, and private investors. Such collaboration could facilitate funding, land acquisition, and community support, accelerating the project's development and ensuring its sustainability.

Opportunities for Enhancement

• Elite/Luxury Design Aesthetic: Incorporating high-end design elements could attract professional events and elevate the facility's status.

• Holistic Training Onsite: Offering comprehensive training programs, including nutrition and mental health services, would provide a one-stop solution for athlete development.

• Community Focus: Implementing programs aligned with organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance could foster positive coaching practices and develop a new generation of skilled officials and referees.

Conclusion

The NW Sports Hub exemplifies how strategic public-private partnerships can drive economic revitalization and community engagement through sports infrastructure. FuturePlay Sports has the potential to replicate and enhance this model in Happy Valley, Oregon, by integrating advanced technology, comprehensive training programs, and a strong community focus. By learning from the successes of the NW Sports Hub, FuturePlay can position itself as a premier sports destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Works Cited

Centralia Coal Transition Grants. “Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports the NW Sports Hub Expansion.” CCT Grants, 23 Feb. 2021, https://cctgrants.com/centralia-coal-transition-board-supports-the-nw-sports-hub-expansion/.

Northwest Sports Hub. “About the Facility.” NW Sports Hub, https://www.nwsportshub.com.

ThurstonTalk. “NW Sports Hub Project Comes to Life in Centralia.” ThurstonTalk, 31 July 2013, https://www.thurstontalk.com/2013/07/31/nw-sports-hub-project-centralia/.

FuturePlay Sports. “Vision & Design.” FuturePlay Sports, https://www.futureplaysports.info/.

Building Positive, Powerful Sport Environments in Oregon

At FuturePlay Sport, we live by a bold, transformative standard: “Create positive sport experiences for all.” This isn’t just a slogan. It’s a Non-Negotiable. It defines every decision we make on and off the court. As leaders and pioneers in the Oregon youth sports landscape, we believe that the time has come to elevate expectations — for coaches, parents, spectators, and administrators alike.

We were invited to attended the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Leadership Council Event: A Conversation with Lacey Henderson, Portland Timbers Mental Performance Coach and with PCA Trainer Pete Luedemann. The FuturePlay team, deeply rooted in the methodology of the Positive Coaching Alliance, embraces a research-driven approach that transforms sport into a vehicle for life-shaping character development.

Positive Coaching Is Not Soft

In today’s competitive world, there’s still a pervasive myth that positive coaching is somehow weak. Let us be clear: positive coaching is not soft — it is strong. It’s not about coddling, but about cultivating resilience, responsibility, and respect. It holds athletes to high standards while nurturing their growth as players and people.

Outcome Obsession Is Out

We are moving beyond the “win-at-all-costs” mindset. Focusing solely on outcomes is outdated and short-sighted. Our mission is not just to develop skilled athletes, but to develop good people — confident, cooperative, and capable of handling adversity with poise. We champion development over dominance, and we reward effort, learning, and teamwork above the scoreboard.

Sport Is an Ecosystem — Build It Right

Sport doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s an ecosystem — one where coaches, parents, spectators, and administrators all play critical roles in shaping the emotional and mental experience of young athletes. At FuturePlay, we’re creating sustainable systems that manage stress and pressure in healthy, supportive ways. We are engineering environments where athletes feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and thrive under mentorship, not fear.

A New Standard for Oregon

We’re not just talking about raising the bar — we’re building a whole new one. FuturePlay Sport is setting a precedent in Oregon that sub-par youth sports programs will no longer be acceptable. Our training for coaches is rigorous and values-driven. Our expectations for parental behavior are clear and enforced. Our sideline culture demands positivity and respect. Our administrators are trained to lead with courage, equity, and vision.

We believe excellence in youth sports isn’t about trophies — it’s about culture. And we’re shaping a culture that’s built to last.

Leading by Example

As Oregon’s premier innovator in youth sports, we don’t just follow best practices — we help create them. With FuturePlay, you’re not just participating in a program. You’re joining a movement. A movement where every child, regardless of ability or background, gets to experience the joy, growth, and community that great sport can provide.

We invite everyone — coaches, parents, athletes, fans — to step into this new era with us. Because when we elevate the game for everyone, we all win.

Why coach training matters — and what we’re doing about it

Across the country, youth sports are at a crossroads — and Clackamas County is no exception. While participation in basketball and volleyball is booming, the infrastructure, coaching pipelines, and athlete development systems haven't kept pace. Players are driving long distances for tournaments. Coaches are under-supported. Parents are burned out. And worst of all — promising athletes are falling through the cracks.

We believe there’s a better way. That’s why we’re building FuturePlay Sports Complex — a next-generation, for-profit athletic facility designed to set a new standard for youth and amateur sports.

And we’re not just building courts.
We’re building coaches, leaders, and a foundation for athlete success that lasts far beyond game day.

The Coach is the Cornerstone

A recent case study on coach education in youth basketball and volleyball reveals a powerful truth:

“When coaches are trained, kids stay. When they’re not, kids quit.”

That single insight underscores what families, leagues, and researchers have long known: a qualified, supported coach is the most powerful predictor of athlete retention, growth, and enjoyment.

• With trained coaches, athlete dropout rates fall from 26% to just 5%.

• Trained coaches deliver safer practices, better fundamentals, and more positive environments.

• Parents overwhelmingly trust programs that invest in coach development.

At FuturePlay, we’re building on this evidence. Our facility will serve not just as a space to play — but as a regional training hub for coaches. We’re integrating USA Basketball and USA Volleyball certification programs, continuing education workshops, mentorship systems, and tools for film review, practice planning, and leadership growth.

🚨 The Coaching Crisis is Real — and Fixable

There’s a nationwide shortage of youth coaches. According to the National Recreation and Park Association:

• 82% of agencies report a shortage of qualified coaches.

• Less than one-third of current youth coaches have recent training.

• Volunteer participation has fallen sharply post-pandemic.

These trends are threatening the health of youth sports. Without coaches, teams dissolve. Leagues shrink. And the entire ecosystem weakens.

FuturePlay is stepping in to turn this crisis into an opportunity. Our plan includes:

• Free or subsidized training access for local volunteers and assistants

• Mentorship programs pairing experienced coaches with new leaders

• Co-coaching models that welcome women, high school athletes, and underrepresented groups

• Facility access and admin support to ease the burden on busy coaches

By offering a structured, high-quality pathway for coaching development, FuturePlay will help rebuild the bench and raise the bar.

A Facility Designed for Excellence

At the core of FuturePlay is a physical space that reflects this leadership mindset. The complex will feature:

• 8 NCAA-grade basketball

• 20 Indoor volleyball courts

• 4 outdoor beach courts

• Performance training and recovery services

• Private team rooms and coach meeting spaces

• Streaming and video analysis tools

• Certification classroom space

This facility isn’t just a gym — it’s a complete ecosystem where athletes can develop year-round, coaches can grow, and entire programs can scale their impact.

Elite Training + Community Roots = Long-Term Impact

We’re not just building for the top 1% — we’re raising the standard for everyone.

That means:

• Developing elite athletes with access to high-level tools and training

• Supporting community clubs and rec leagues with reliable court time and coaching help

• Providing clear coach education pipelines to create consistency and continuity

• Giving parents and players a facility that feels professional, inclusive, and welcoming

We believe in building a profitable, scalable model that also delivers measurable value to our community.

The Future is Now — Let’s Build It Together

Clackamas County’s athletes, coaches, and families deserve better. They deserve:

• Modern facilities

• Trained, supported coaches

• Safe, competitive environments

• A central hub to call their own

FuturePlay Sports Complex will be that hub — and we’re actively inviting community stakeholders, coaches, and investors to get involved.

If you're a:

• Coach looking to grow

• Club seeking space

• Brand or business aligned with youth sports

• Investor ready to back a smart, in-demand facility
  👉 We want to talk.

✉️ Stay in the Loop — or Help Us Lead

Join our interest list to stay informed as we finalize designs, secure partnerships, and begin pre-construction planning. You’ll be the first to hear about investment opportunities, coach training sessions, and facility previews.

🔗 Follow us on Instagram @futureplaysportsor
📩 Contact: micah@futureplaysports.info

Let’s build a place where youth sports can thrive again — and where every coach, player, and parent knows:

This is what it should have always been.

Rogue X in Medford, Or

A case study right here in Oregon.

This facility has been a huge success.

Read more about the beginnings of Rogue X here: https://www.travelmedford.org/medford-sports-and-events-center-

A cute ad that breaks down the benefits: https://youtu.be/jixO0dJgvXk

“The Rogue Credit Union Community Complex (“Rogue X”) is a $76 million, 140,000-square foot recreation facility owned, maintained and managed by the City of Medford. The Rogue X contains a 76,000-square foot multi-purpose event center, an indoor recreation pool featuring two water slides, a 13-lane indoor competition pool, classrooms, an outdoor seasonal splashpad, and a food truck pod. There are 300 parking spaces immediately adjacent to the building and 530 in the immediate area.

The Rogue X is situated in the heart of Howard Memorial Sports Park, a 54-acre community park in west Medford along Rossanley Drive and Ross Lane. When complete, the park will contain multiple sports fields and a playground.

The concept of an event center and an aquatics facility under a single roof received City Council approval in 2018, and financing was approved in 2020. Construction began in 2022; the Rogue X is set to open to the public in January 2024.

Rogue Credit Union agreed to a 10-year, $2.145 million facility naming-rights agreement. Proceeds help offset operational costs and also provide water safety classes to all fourth-graders in the Medford School District.”

https://roguexmedford.com/about/

Positive Economic Impact of Private Sports Complexes

Private amateur sports complexes, including basketball, volleyball, and multi-sport facilities—have emerged as powerful local economic engines across the United States. By hosting youth and adult tournaments, these venues catalyze tourism spending on hotels, restaurants, retail, and related services. Increasingly, private investors and municipalities are collaborating through public-private partnerships (P3s) to develop such complexes, aiming to capture both the direct financial returns and broader quality-of-life benefits they deliver.

This article synthesizes research findings, real-world case studies, and economic data to evaluate the drivers, outcomes, and resilience of private sports complexes. The evidence suggests that when executed strategically, these facilities deliver measurable and durable economic benefits, creating a compelling case for both private investment and public support.

Why Investors Fund Sports Complexes

Over the past decade, the landscape of community recreation and sports tourism has been transformed by the rise of private sports complexes. Fueled by surging demand for youth and amateur sports, these facilities have proven to be more than just recreational spaces—they are catalysts for local economic growth. This paper explores why investors and cities pursue these projects, where the greatest economic impacts materialize, and how such complexes perform in periods of economic stress.

Multiple Revenue Streams and Stable Demand

Private sports complexes generate income across a diversified portfolio of activities, including:

• League play, tournaments, and camps

• Memberships and facility rentals

• Concessions, pro shops, fitness areas

• On-site lodging or hospitality services

Youth sports spending alone has topped $9 billion since 2017. Families routinely spend hundreds of dollars per month on their children’s sports participation, with travel tournaments commanding a premium share. Notably, youth sports tourism is often described as “recession-resistant”—during the 2008–2009 downturn, it remained one of the few travel sectors that did not contract.

Anchor for Mixed-Use Developments

Sports complexes function as “anchor tenants” akin to malls or entertainment centers, driving foot traffic to adjacent retail, dining, and residential developments. For example:

AdventHealth Sports Park, Overland Park, KS:
This 260,000-square-foot facility catalyzed a 270,000-square-foot retail development and new housing nearby, creating a synergistic ecosystem of economic activity.

Proof of Profitability

Feasibility studies consistently show positive operating results or break-even projections.

Highlights include:

Palm Coast, FL: A proposed $93 million complex projected $79 million in first-year economic impact and a $500,000 operating profit.

Rise Indoor Sports, Bermuda Run, NC: A $15.9 million facility is expected to generate $7–$8 million per year in local impact.

Private investors also benefit from ancillary revenue such as naming rights, sponsorships, and memberships, while municipalities often help reduce investor risk through favorable land leases.

Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) Reduce Risk

Many sports complexes are developed as P3s, enabling risk-sharing between public and private stakeholders. For example, Palm Coast’s facility involves a private developer building on publicly leased land, with the city’s lease payments structured to match facility revenues. Such models allow private operators to secure long-term contracts and stabilize cash flow, while municipalities benefit from predictable economic returns.

Benefits to Cities and Counties

Boosts to Tourism Spending

Sports complexes attract nonlocal visitors who spend heavily on lodging, dining, and retail.

Case examples:

Helena, MT: $1.36 million in annual out-of-area visitor spending, with 34% on lodging and 20% on retail.

Spooky Nook, Hamilton, OH: Local restaurants and bars reported record sales during early tournaments.

In 2021 alone, youth sports tourism accounted for 66.5 million hotel nights, making it a major driver of hospitality sector growth.

Job Creation and Tax Revenue

Visitor spending translates into local employment and tax receipts:

Helena, MT: $1.36 million in visitor spending supported 20 jobs and $488,000 in worker income.

Adventist Fieldhouse, MD: 12 tournaments generated $25 million in direct spending and $1.2 million in local tax revenue.

Hotel occupancy and sales taxes frequently underpin facility financing, with municipalities confident that event-driven revenues will sustain debt service.

Quality of Life and Community Development

Beyond economic metrics, sports complexes enhance community livability and attract residents. For example:

Majestic Park, Hot Springs, AR: Following an $8.5 million renovation, the facility now hosts large-scale events that were previously absent, creating a new revenue stream and energizing downtown businesses.

Multi-Use Benefits: Many facilities also host concerts, graduations, and esports, reinforcing their role as civic hubs.

Case Studies

Rock Hill Sports & Events Center, SC

This city-owned facility has become a top tournament destination, benefiting local businesses and municipal budgets.

Size: 170,000 sqft

Visitors (2022–23): 200,000

Local economic impact: $56 million

Hotel-room nights: 130,000

Rise Indoor Sports, NC

A privately operated facility demonstrating that even regional-scale complexes can deliver substantial economic gains.

Size: 123,000 sqft

Construction cost: $16 million

Annual local impact: $7–$8 million

Where the Big Impacts Occur

Research shows that the largest economic gains are concentrated in:

• Lodging (30–40%)

• Food service (15–20%)

• Retail (sports equipment, convenience goods)

For example, after a major volleyball event at Spooky Nook, local restaurants and brewpubs reported record-breaking weekend sales. Additionally, facility construction delivers one-time economic boosts, but long-term impacts stem overwhelmingly from ongoing tourism and visitor spending.

Resilience in Slow Economic Times

Youth sports complexes are unusually resilient to economic downturns:

• 2008–2009 Recession:
  Youth sports travel remained steady despite broader tourism declines.

• COVID-19 Recovery:
  After a 46% decline in 2020, youth sports travel rebounded by 53% in 2021, as families shifted to regional events before returning to national tournaments.

The diversified revenue streams and flexible programming of most complexes help them adapt to changing conditions, while public financial support (via bonds or taxes) helps sustain operations.

Summary of Findings

The evidence from case studies and economic analyses leads to several clear conclusions:

• Private sports complexes can generate robust, multi-source revenues for investors.

• Municipalities benefit disproportionately through hotel, restaurant, and retail spending, plus job creation and tax revenues.

• The facilities show notable resilience during economic downturns, underpinned by the priority parents place on youth sports.

• Both private and public stakeholders increasingly view these projects as long-term economic assets with quality-of-life benefits that extend beyond balance sheets.

Works Cited

Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA)
→ https://www.sportseta.org
(State of the Industry Report 2023)

Halff Associates (Palm Coast Sports Complex Feasibility Study)
→ https://halff.com
(Look under “Projects” or “Publications”)

Sports Business Journal (Youth Sports Prove Recession-Proof)
→ https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
(Search article archives for “Youth Sports Recession-Proof”)

City of Rock Hill, South Carolina
→ https://www.cityofrockhill.com
(Sports & Events Center impact report typically found under “Parks, Recreation & Tourism”)

Synergy Sports Global (Rise Indoor Sports Economic Impact Analysis)
→ https://www.synergysportsglobal.com
(Check “Case Studies” or “Impact Reports” sections)

Helena Area Chamber of Commerce (Helena, Montana)
→ https://www.helenachamber.com
(Look for economic impact or sports complex studies under “Economic Development”)

AdventHealth Sports Park, Overland Park, Kansas
→ https://www.opkansas.org
(City site; AdventHealth Sports Park reports sometimes posted under parks/recreation)

Majestic Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
→ https://majesticpark.org
(Tourism and Economic Development Impact Report)

"Sports Tourism is on fire and we need to invest in it"

President & CEO, John David of Sports Events Entertainment Network (SEEN) and podcast host, Kathrine Nero walk us through the key takeaways, data & lessons from the 2023 State of the Industry Report.

A few of the topics covered:

• What happened in 2023 within the sports tourism industry? 

• What excites rights holders, venues & sports travelers?

• Who's traveling? And was there an increase from previous years?

• Rights Holders: Understanding the importance of this data & how it can help you make a best case decision.

• Destination Members: learn & share data from this report with your community.

Listen to the podcast here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244915/episodes/15120188