Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — March 4, 2025 — The Steering Committee met Tuesday morning to provide updates on the upcoming Jonesboro Sportsplex project and announce a tentative groundbreaking date.
The groundbreaking date is tentatively set for April 11. In addition, the committee is looking to close on construction contracts March 17 – 18 and lock in financing rates soon.
Representatives for the A&P Commission, The Sports Facilities Companies, and more spoke about the building’s design.
Since the floorplans were revealed in April 2024, some tweaks are being considered to the overall design. Designers are considering pushing the front desk to be in the main entry back, and office spaces originally to be on the first floor may be moved to the second to prevent overcrowding in the entry.
“It’s gonna be a much, much better use of that space to allow the front of the building to breathe,” said Erik Kocher, Owner and Design Principal of Hastings and Chivetta Architects.
Craig Rickert, executive director of the A&P Commission, said any design changes are “just suggestions” and do not have to go through the commission. He added that those involved in the project will continue to work with architects to “find the best solutions.”
The two-story, 203,000 square foot building will feature 12 basketball courts, which will convert to 24 volleyball courts. The same space has room for 36 pickleball courts.
It will have a 50-meter pool with diving boards and a recreational warm-up/cool-down pool. The complex will also feature an outdoor aquatic center with a pool, a moving water feature, a large slide and other spray-ground features for children.
The second story will feature viewing areas for the courts, pool and more, but will also have two smaller meeting rooms. In addition, there will be 1,245 spectator seats overlooking the 50-meter pool. The complex will have 678 parking spaces.
In a meeting on Feb. 10, the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission voted to use Capital One as the preferred financier for the project, due to its more “favorable terms and interest rates.” The plan is to have a rate locked in by March 5.
The complex will occupy an approximately 36-acre site on Race Street. The A&P Commission purchased the property in January 2023 from Arkansas State University.
The complex is projected to cost $74.6 million. The goal is to complete the project in 18 months and open in late summer or early fall of 2026.