Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
National Sports Center/Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission ARP Funding Discussion
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Background
During recent American Rescue Plan (ARP) discussions, the City Council identified up to $2 million to provide to the National Sports Center (NSC) for the installation of two lighted turf fields.
Turf fields are becoming increasingly important to the NSC as it allows them to compete for larger tournaments as turf fields have more playability than grass fields that are stressed during high activity. Turf fields can be utilized earlier and later in the season and do not require “rest” like typical grass fields. Lighting of the fields also allows for use in the evening.
The primary funding source for such capital improvements at the NSC is typically through the Minnesota State Legislature, which is problematic as the NSC is constantly competing with projects throughout the entire State of Minnesota.
The viability of the NSC is extremely important to the local Blaine economy and assisting in the construction of infrastructure that assists the NSC to be more successful is important for the long-term viability of the facility and local Blaine economy.
Providing ARP funds for the construction of turf fields would allow the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) to provide the City with rights to construct, operate and maintain the primary lake feature of the 105th Avenue redevelopment plan on MASC-owned property, and deed this property to the Blaine EDA as part of the redevelopment area.
City and NSC staff have been working on a draft letter of intent outlining terms and expectations of the deal outlined above. The MASC board met on June 15, 2022 and are in general support of the parameters of the agreement. Further details of the agreement are being discussed and it is anticipated a draft letter of intent will be presented to the Blaine EDA sometime in July.
When initial discussions occurred between NSC and city staff, the estimated cost of one lighted turf field was $1 million. This information was the basis for the City committing $2 million to fund two turf fields. Unfortunately, since those initial discussions, costs estimates have increased. City staff requested information from NSC staff on what various funding amounts could provide for.
Note that the MASC/NSC aren’t requesting a specific amount and are appreciative of any level of city involvement. The following is information and numbers that provide information on what certain levels of investment can attain.
City partnership with the National Sports Center will create a world class sports destination that solidifies the “Heart of the City” concept located on the NSC Campus in Blaine.
Specifically, investment in artificial turf advances the goal of having 12 lit turf fields able to host local, regional, and national events that will generate millions of dollars in economic impact, as well as, establishing the City of Blaine as the #1 sports city in the state.
2022 Investment Levels:
$2.54 Million
- 185,400 Sq/ft of artificial turf
- Two recreational sized fields or one professional size field - no lights, lines, logos
$3.02 Million
- 185,400 Sq/ft of artificial turf
- Two recreational sized fields or one professional size field
- Includes LED Lights, lines, logos
$3.24 Million
- 262,800 Sq/ft of artificial turf
- Three recreational sized fields or two professional sized fields
- No lights, lines - NSC would fundraise to include lights into the future
- City of Blaine logo/NSC logo included
$3.93 Million
- 262,800 Sq/ft of artificial turf
- Three recreational sized fields or two professional sized fields
- LED lights, lines
- City of Blaine logo/NSC logo included
If the City Council is interested in providing additional funding to the MASC/NSC, it could come from several sources. For example, $500,000 in ARP funds were identified for business assistance. As it’s been mentioned in previous meetings, staff doesn’t believe there is a large demand from the business community and these funds could instead be used to fund this project. Other funding sources could include various EDA fund balances and/or the Strategic Priorities fund.
Staff from the NSC will be present to provide further details on the various types of fields and amenities that could be constructed.
Staff Recommendation
Discuss the request and provide direction to staff.
Attachment List
Page from the Draft Master Plan