Irvine, California
Great Park Sports Center Feasibility and Impact Study
A private developer in Irvine, California, engaged Hunden Partners (HSP) to conduct a comprehensive market analysis of a proposed sports complex as part of a mixed-use development. Hunden’s analysis included national and local facilities that could competitively position the proposed complex. Demand and financial projections were included in Hunden’s study, as well as an economic and fiscal impact analysis and a business, management, and event calendar plan. The City of Irvine continues to expand the Great Park Sports Center.
Situation
Hunden Partners (HSP) was engaged by a private developer to evaluate the development of a 200-acre, multi-use sports complex on the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station in Orange County, California. The proposed complex serves as the centerpiece of the larger Great Park for mixed-use development. The athletic complex was proposed as:
- 25 multi-use fields (soccer, lacrosse, field hockey), including a 2,500-seat
- championship field
- 25 tennis courts, including a championship court
- 7 baseball fields, including a championship field
- 5 softball fields, including a championship field
- 10 sand volleyball courts
- 10 multi-use courts (paddle tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball)
Approach
HSP conducted a comprehensive market analysis of comparable facilities locally and nationally to assess the project’s competitive position. The team developed demand and financial projections and performed an economic and fiscal impact analysis to evaluate potential community benefits. Beginning in 2013, HSP continued its work by preparing a detailed business, management, and event calendar plan.
Construction of the Great Park Sports Complex occurred in phases between 2017 and 2018, with the first 53 acres opening in August 2017 and an additional 48 acres, including baseball, softball, and basketball facilities, completed the following year. The complex was a $125 million investment and established one of the largest municipal sports parks in California.
Impact
As of 2025, the City of Irvine continues to expand the broader Great Park through its Framework Plan, adding more than 300 acres of new amenities, including a future field house and aquatics facility to complement the existing complex.
