A $500,000 state grant has been awarded for Sioux Center’s new indoor turf facility.
The Enhance Iowa Board approved the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant for the American State Bank Sports Complex on Dec. 2. The board awarded a total of $5.1 million to 16 Iowa communities, with the Sioux Center grant being the largest.
“The board recognized the regional draw of this facility, hosting sporting events where people will choose to make overnight stays and spend more time in Iowa,” said Jessica O’Riley, spokesperson for the Enhance Iowa Board, in Des Moines.
Construction on the 118,000-square-foot American State Sports Complex is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2022. The shared project between the City and Dordt University will create indoor space for a variety of activities and offer a new option for year-round recreation for all ages.
Assistant City Manager Dennis Dokter, who prepared Sioux Center’s grant application, said that the CAT Grant program is designed to support projects that encourage tourism, improve quality of life, and bring people to Iowa communities like Sioux Center.
“We believe the board recognized the joint efforts of the City and University and the impact that this project will have on tourism and supported our efforts,” he said. “We thank the board for their support and for how CAT funding helps make these projects attainable in rural Iowa. We thank the many businesses and individuals that financially supported the project to help leverage these funds as well.”
With a 470-foot by 250-foot air-inflated dome and indoor turf, the sports complex will be designed to allow for activities like youth and adult soccer, recreational programs/activities, softball games and practice, baseball practice, football practice, community wellness programs, physical therapy, strength and agility programs, and rentals. The design includes space for spectators to watch and an 8,000-square-foot head-end building with changing areas, concessions, and seating. It is estimated the facility will see more than 200,000 visitors per year.
The American State Bank Sports Complex is slated to be open to the public around December 2022.