Scheels Sports Park Celebrates Opening

State and local officials joined community leaders on April 28 to formally celebrate the opening of Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe in Springfield, recognizing the completion of a project aimed at expanding tourism and youth athletics in the region.

Although the complex has been in operation since late 2025, the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3801 MacArthur Blvd. brought together elected officials and project partners to highlight the development’s role in the city’s economic and recreational future.

Gov. JB Pritzker pointed to the broader impact of youth athletics and the role facilities like this can play in Illinois’ standing within the industry. “I know this isn’t all about economic growth, but it is an important component of a future for our state that we are going to be a leader in the youth travel sports industry,” Pritzker said. He added that Illinois is already among the top 10 states in the country in the industry, which he said generates $275 billion nationwide and supports more than one million jobs. “Even before we cut the ribbon here today, Illinois ranks among the top 10 states in the country in this industry,” he said. “But in Illinois, we always aim to be number one. As this market grows, we want to be at the leading edge of it.”

The $65 million project was developed through a public-private partnership, with private financing led by Legacy Pointe Development principals Steve Luker and Dirk McCormick. The City of Springfield provided assistance through a hotel-motel tax incentive established in 2023, allocating 2% of the city’s 8% hotel-motel tax toward the development, with a cap of $45 million.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said the project was a priority following her election and recalled early efforts to move the development forward. “The day after I won my election, I called Ryan McCrady and said, ‘How do we get this thing off the ground?’” Buscher said. She also noted that the city is seeking investors to support additional development in the South Central Business District surrounding the complex.

State Rep. Mike Coffey said the project reflects collaboration among community leaders and stakeholders to position Springfield as a destination for visitors. “Today is not just a ribbon cutting, it’s a statement,” Coffey said. “It reflects the commitment of community leaders and stakeholders working together to shape Springfield into a destination to visit for families across the country.”

Scheels Sports Park features the Springfield Clinic Dome, described as the largest air-supported sports dome in the world, along with a range of indoor and outdoor facilities. The dome spans approximately 190,000 square feet and includes six full-size basketball courts that can be converted into 12 volleyball courts, as well as a designated hitting area. The complex also includes two full-size softball fields and additional outdoor amenities.

Officials expect the facility to draw approximately 250,000 visitors annually and generate an estimated $25 million in economic activity each year. The development is intended to support local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses by attracting traveling teams and spectators throughout the year.

Project leaders have described the complex as a year-round hub for athletics, entertainment, and community events, with the goal of increasing Springfield’s visibility in regional and national sports markets.