FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25,2026
Contact: Lance Kettering, Executive Director
Email: lkettering@springfieldmo.org
417-881-5300 ext. 106
SPRINGFIELD, MO—Springfield continues to build momentum as a competitive and growing sports tourism destination, but the recently released Huddle Up Group 2025 Sports Tourism Strategic Plan makes clear that expanded indoor event capacity is essential to sustaining that growth. The need is further underscored by the recent announcement of the upcoming closure of the Strafford Sports Center, one of only two local facilities offering four hardwood courts.
As noted in the Huddle Up plan, indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, and wrestling remain among the strongest drivers of youth and amateur sports travel nationwide. Flexible, multi-court facilities under one roof are increasingly the standard for tournament recruitment. Without expanded indoor capacity, Springfield’s ability to secure and grow larger indoor events will remain extremely limited as local facilities close and peer destinations continue to invest in modern tournament-ready complexes.
Lance Kettering, Sports Commission Executive Director, noted, “We’ve proven that when we invest strategically in sports infrastructure, the results are measurable. Expanding our indoor event capacity is an essential next step in ensuring Springfield remains competitive and positioned for long-term growth in the sports event industry.”
Recent facility investments have strengthened Springfield’s sports tourism ecosystem and demonstrated the impact of targeted improvements. Projects such as Allison Sports Town, Wilson Logistics Arena, and enhancements along the Cooper Sports Complex corridor have expanded the community’s ability to host high-quality events, strengthened partnerships, and increased overall organizational capacity. These successes underscore the power of strategic infrastructure investment to elevate Springfield’s competitive position and drive economic impact.
“Sports tourism plays a vital role in supporting Springfield’s local economy,” said Mark Hecquet, Visit Springfield, President and CEO. “Each year, thousands of athletes and their families visit our city, staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, and shopping in our local stores. Those visits support local jobs and generate tax revenue that benefits our entire community. A large indoor venue would allow Springfield to compete for state, regional, and national winter events that fill hotel rooms, support local jobs, and strengthen our economy year-round.”
The report emphasizes that peer destinations across the Midwest and nationally are continuing to invest in modern indoor facilities designed specifically for youth and amateur tournaments. As Springfield evaluates next steps in tourism and community development, expanded indoor event capacity represents a strategic opportunity to build on recent successes and further position the city as a leader in the amateur sports marketplace.
The Springfield Sports Commission will continue working alongside civic leaders, community stakeholders, and private partners to strengthen the local sports tourism ecosystem and ensure long-term competitiveness.
The full 2025 Huddle Up Group Sports Tourism Strategic Plan can be viewed here
About Visit Springfield, Missouri, and the Springfield Sports Commission
Visit Springfield, Missouri, is the official destination marketing organization for Greene, Christian, and Polk counties in southwest Missouri. Dedicated to boosting the local economy, the bureau drives tourism and group business – bringing leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, and sporting events – through innovative marketing initiatives.
Managed under Visit Springfield, the Springfield Sports Commission seeks to enhance the quality of life and stimulate positive economic growth for the greater Springfield community by promoting and developing the area as a venue for quality amateur, collegiate and professional sporting events.
For more information on the Sports Commission, visit springfieldmosports.org