Corpus Christi City Council approves bid for US$25m regional sports complex

Corpus Christi City Council approved the SQH Sports & Entertainment (SQH) bid to build an all-inclusive sports complex on 68 acres of city-owned property on Crosstown Expressway through a long term lease agreement. This new public/private partnership (PPP), the first of its kind in the region, will change the face of youth and adult sports. 

The regional sports park is a masterplanned, inclusive sports complex that features a multi-use field house, numerous outdoor fields for softball, baseball, soccer and sand volleyball pits, all professionally maintained and surrounded by full lights to maximise night play.

This family-friendly sports and entertainment complex will offer a sports-themed restaurant with high levels of hospitality and service, and an outdoor play area for children.

 
Brent Statzer, CEO of SQH Sports, said:

Our team is excited to move forward on this sports complex, knowing it will become a regional hub for sports programs and tournaments, an economic driver for the city, and enrich the quality of life for local residents.

 
The Company began talks with the city in 2010 when they identified a need for additional sports fields and recreational sports facilities. In August 2014, the city issued an RFP for a sports complex and SQH Sports responded.

 
Bert Quintanilla, SQH VP of Governmental Affairs, said:

This new sports park will be built with private funding, which at this time is estimated to cost US$25 million. As the former President of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, I understand the impact a sports complex can have on the overall economy, especially January through May, which are usually shoulder periods.

 
Derrick Hegmon, COO of SQH Sports, said:

We will create an integrated approach to sports complexes where families play, stay, eat, linger and enjoy the total experience.

We believe Corpus Christi is a perfect market for this type of sports complex. More than seven million people visit Corpus annually, it is already a destination, and with an active local sports community, it makes a highly desirable place to build a regional sports facility.

Chad Magill, representative at-large, said:

I see this as a launching point for moving our parks and recreation master plan to the next level. This is about embracing the fact that we are a sports city.  I applaud your confidence and willingness to invest in Corpus Christi.

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