Sioux Center’s new indoor turf facility is preparing to welcome people in January. Activities, events, and open turf time in the American State Bank (ASB) Sports Complex, a partnership between the City of Sioux Center and Dordt University, are set to begin in January 2023.
A free public open house is set for Friday, Jan. 6, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. People are welcome to come explore the sports complex and ask questions.
“I think people will be awed and surprised about how enjoyable the headhouse space is – it’s really a nice space with big windows – and when they go in the dome and see how big it is, they’ll be impressed,” said ASB Sports Complex Director Carrie Krohn. “We’re looking forward to people experiencing this place.”
Throughout the year, the complex will offer open turf time, batting cage use, walking and jogging memberships, league play for different ages, and rentals. Local and regional teams, including Dordt University, will also rent it for athletic practices, games, and tournaments.
Open turf time
Open turf times will be scheduled each week at the ASB Sports Complex. Open turf will be on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. when there are no other scheduled events using the turf, and at least one other evening each week. Open turf times will be posted weekly online at asbsportscomplex.com and on the ASB Sports Complex’s digital sign and social media. The cost will be $5 per person. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
“People can come throw around a football or frisbee, play pickup soccer on part of the turf, walk, jog, or enjoy other activities,” Krohn said.
Walking/jogging
The turf will be available for walking and jogging most weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and during open turf times. People can purchase a walker/jogger membership online at asbsportscomplex.com, or they can call and set up their memberships. Memberships will be $15 a month and can be purchased on a monthly or annual basis.
League sports
In January, two leagues are starting up at the ASB Sports Complex. A men’s soccer league is beginning Jan. 3, and a high school league for boys’ and girls’ teams is beginning Jan. 5. A middle school league is set to begin in February. If people would like more information on these soccer leagues, they can contact organizer Alex Durbin.
Additional activities
Krohn said they welcome ideas for other organized activities and additional programming in the complex throughout the year.
“If people want to set up leagues, like flag football, kickball, ultimate frisbee or slow-pitch softball, or any community-type event, they can reach out to us,” she said. “We’re also looking into daytime options. It’s great to have people share their ideas and get creative with this.”
Batting cages
The three batting cages will arrive in early 2023, and people will be able to reserve time in them. Batting cage time at the ASB Sports Complex can be scheduled online or by calling the facility. People can pay per half-hour ($20) or hour ($30) or purchase a membership online or by phone. (Purchasing a membership for batting cages or walking/jogging will require creating an account at asbsportscomplex.com.)
Renting the ASB Sports Complex
If a business or family is looking to reserve all or part of the ASB Sports Complex for a fun night, there will be opportunities to rent it. To reserve a time, people can review the schedule online, call the facility, or email Krohn for information on renting the space.
Countdown to opening day
City Manager Scott Wynja said work on the 250-by-470-foot facility – a full-year construction project – has been on schedule, looking toward the January 2023 opening.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to provide this as another community amenity with a variety of programs and services available, and also as a destination and attraction to the community with an economic and tourism impact as well,” Wynja said.
Ross Douma, Dordt’s athletic director, shared excitement for the opportunities the ASB Sports Complex will create.
“We believe the dome will benefit both Dordt athletics and the greater Sioux Center community,” Douma said. “For a community our size to have access to an indoor turf dome will be a great chance for Dordt and the Sioux Center community to enhance athletic and recreational programs, provide institutional visibility, and highlight community partnerships.”
Krohn said the ASB Sports Complex staff is bringing contagious energy to the facility.
“When I was interviewing one student employee about working in the dome, a student from the Denver area, he said an amenity like this is unheard of in a town this size, and he thinks it’s such a cool opportunity,” Krohn said. “There aren’t many places this size that have something like this to offer.”