The return of major indoor track and field events to Delaware is one step closer after the Delaware Tourism Board announced a major grant project.
Indoor Track Delaware is set to receive $6 million of the first $11.3 million in Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund disbursements.
The facility would be built near Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, which is owned by Buccini/Pollin Group and Wilmington Sports LLC, which are also involved in the endeavor.
It’s been 11 years since the University of Delaware converted its indoor track facility at Delaware Field House into a football practice field, forcing Delaware high school teams to choose between competing in the four-lane Tower Hill facility or traveling out of state.
A 2021 feasibility study commissioned by Indoor Track Delaware estimated it would cost between $50 million and $70 million to build an indoor track facility that could also be used for wrestling and volleyball, similar to facilities in Virginia and Alabama.
$3 million will go to DE Turf in Frederica to triple the stadium’s seating capacity to 3,000, as well as add a new “tournament facility.”
Midway Motion and Fitness near Rehoboth plans to spend $2 million to build a pickleball complex with 12 indoor courts and four outdoor courts that will meet United States Pickleball Association tournament standards.
STATS Tournaments in Bear is receiving $300,000 to install lighting at two fields and add additional baseball and softball fields as it looks to expand its tournament portfolio.
A total of 18 requests worth $54 million were made for $11.3 million in state funds made available through the Fiscal Year 2024 Bond and Capital Improvements Act, intended to support Delaware sports organizations as they seek to attract out-of-state participants and boost their local economies.
Among the rejected projects are:
Abesinio Stadium – Seeking funding for tennis courts that will be removed by the Salesianum’s Fusco Field project, but the proposal was not focused on out-of-state visitors. Central Delaware Indoor Sports Complex – Basketball, wrestling and other sports venues, but the application was focused on local events. Delaware State University – Aquatic Center. DSU’s proposal was submitted after April 12, could only accommodate 250 spectators, and was focused on DSU students and Dover residents, not out-of-state visitors. Dover Civic Arena – Ice arena. This is also focused on community events, not major events for out-of-state visitors. Dover Motor Speedway – Funding for stages and security. The board felt that Dover needed to raise funds from sources other than sports. Factory Sports – Frankford Complex with two sports courts and one turf field. It was determined that it was not large enough to host major out-of-state events. Hockessin Soccer Club/Delaware FC – Only one major event for out of state visitors, but half of those visitors do not stay in the hotel. There are concerns about parking in residential areas. New Castle County Park – Funding for streaming services at current events. The committee determined that it was not enough of a competitive advantage to justify the cost and funds would need to be found in other areas. Nothing But Net Sports Academy – Basketball complex that recently opened at the site of the old Hockessin Indoor Tennis. Several members are concerned that NBN received bond bill funds for a complex in Glasgow but used it in Hockessin without permission. River Soccer Club – Frankford Soccer Club did not focus on adding major events and did not offer a one-to-one match of funds. Sports at the Beach – Georgetown baseball field is considering adding artificial turf. There are concerns about matching funds. Sussex Academy – Has one turf field, but was determined not to be large enough for major out-of-state visitors. Recommended to find other sources for project that would best benefit student-athletes University of Delaware Softball/Field Hockey – Some are concerned this project will primarily support UD and not serve a major sports tourism event.
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