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Questions on sports complex answered

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: November 12, 2009

DADE CITY - About 30 people attended a public meeting Tuesday night regarding an $11 million, county-financed sports complex that will be built somewhere in Pasco County.

Judging by the number of residents - three - who spoke during the hearing at the historic county courthouse in Dade City, most in attendance were county officials or with Sportsplex USA, which operates similar facilities in California, where the company is based.

"We've visited about 12 sites (in Pasco) so far and we're narrowing them down to the choicest sites," Bill Berghoff, Sportsplex president, said Tuesday night. "We're confident we'll be extremely successful in Pasco. We'll be able to bring in tournaments, put heads in beds, support local restaurants and hotels."

Tuesday night's meeting featured presentations from county and Sportsplex officials, and included a question-and-answer period. Another meeting is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at the West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road, in the board room.
Sportsplex officials have visited several potential sites this week, but no decision is expected until next month. About 20 acres is needed.

The county and Sportsplex USA entered into a private-public partnership Aug. 14 to design and construct a facility intended to be a sports and travel destination for tournament and league play.

Responding to a question from a resident, Berghoff said beer and wine will be served at the facility's lounge, unless it is hosting a tournament run by a league that does not allow alcohol to be served at events.

Berghoff also said facilities are typically open during the day, so people who want to walk the grounds can do so. Adult leagues usually play on weeknights, and youth leagues normally play on the weekends.

The facility most likely would be run by Sportsplex, which could mean up to 70 jobs for locals. Money to build the complex would come from tourist tax dollars collected by the county; that money can only be used on projects that encourage people to spend the night in Pasco.

Addressing the audience, Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader reminded residents that money to build the facility must be generated through tourism dollars.

"We can't use ad valorem taxes. I can't stress that enough," he said. "People say, 'Why can't you just use money (set aside) for parks?'

"Because we're not allowed to do that."

Eric Keaton, the county's tourism director, said the facility is expected to attract amateur and possibly professional sports events from across the country.

"This complex ties into our tourism development plan, to become a promoter of sports tournaments, special events and eco-tourism," he said. "Sports travel and business in Florida is big business."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.

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