Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 12, 2024 – During Thursday morning’s Advertising & Promotion Commission meeting, A&P Chair Jerry Morgan and Director of Sportsplex Steering Committee Kevin Hodges gave extensive updates on the financial and construction plans for the Sportsplex coming to Race Street in Jonesboro.
Hodges began with a disclaimer, “This is what we believe today that this is what the facility is going to look like, this could change.”
The Jonesboro Sportsplex will include a full-service kitchen, serving area, and sit-down cafeteria. The two gym areas include a total of 12 basketball courts that can be converted to 24 volleyball courts or 36 pickleball courts. The center plans include a 32,000 sq ft event/convention center.
The Sportsplex will also include a natatorium complete with a 50-meter pool with diving availability up to 13′, and a zero-foot to 5-foot depth warm up pool. Hodges mentioned that this walk-in pool could be ideal for “toddler birthday parties” and other like events.
Hodges also mentioned that he requested “alternative pricing” from the contractor for optional features including an indoor walking track and outdoor spray ground and water features. These features could be included or excluded depending on budgetary allowance.
Next steps for the center include traffic studies, GEO Technical studies, construction documents that are expected in June, and final pricing expected in July.
A&P Commission Chair Jerry Morgan discussed financials for the project. The prospective pricing is expected to be $77,325,375 (includes events/convention center but does not include walking track or outdoor spray area and water features). A&P expects $63.5 Million available from financing on a 20 year note and expects to have $11.3 Million cash on hand at year end. The difference between these amounts and the expected project pricing comes out to just over $2 Million. Morgan explained that these figures could change based on contingencies, interest rates, and other factors.
The committee also discussed the release of an RFP (Request for Proposals) for operation of the facility. This request will be sent nationwide to ask for companies to send proposals to bid on the rights to operate the facility. Morgan explained that a separate steering committee will be created to make the decision, and the city can ultimately decide to operate the center itself if it doesn’t “like” any of the proposals. The committee voted on the RFP and the vote unanimously carried.