COLUMBUS, Ohio – Folks in Hilliard are excited about a new project they say fits into the city’s plan to promote itself as a training ground for sports teams and a destination for sports tourism.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for Monday morning on the 114,000 square-foot domed Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports, the second in the nation, at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, 3800 Veterans Memorial Drive.
Mayor Don Schonhardt, Linda Logan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady will join Bo Jackson, a two-sport star, for the ceremony.
The sports center, slated to open next summer, is part of the city’s sport tourism economic development strategy, which includes bringing world-class sports training and tournament-quality sport activity to the city.
The facility will offer a mix of public sports curriculum, including training programs for youth in football, soccer, baseball and softball, and opportunities for professional teams to train.
City officials hope it will allow Hilliard to attract major regional sporting events.