Collier County, Florida
Sports Complex Study RFI & Management Selection; Business Plan
Collier County, Florida, hired Hunden Partners and Clancy’s Sports Properties for a market and needs study. The focus of the study led to a multi-phase, county-wide analysis of sports, training, and special events and performance facilities. Hunden’s review assessed the facilities’ physical condition, activity levels, and other opportunities to expand and/or renovate. Hunden also studied the overall operations, financial performance, and other elements of feasibility. Demand and financial projection, and an economic impact analysis rounded out Phase I. Phase II involved design experts and local sports marketing professionals in estimates of benefits and development costs for a new competition-level venue or stadium. An updated study included a governance and management analysis.
Situation
Hunden Partners and Clancy’s Sports Properties conducted a market and needs study regarding Collier County’s community sports, training, special event, and performance facilities and infrastructure throughout the County.
Approach
During Phase I of the study, Hunden reviewed the facilities throughout the county to determine their physical condition, activity levels, opportunity to renovate and/or expand, overall operations, financial performance, potential future revenue opportunities, and other opportunities for renovation, expansion, or new facilities that would help Collier County capture the growing sports tournament market.
During Phase II, the Hunden Team, including local sports marketing professionals at Clancy’s Sports Properties and design experts BEA Architects, estimated the benefits and development costs associated with a new competition venue or stadium, producing conceptual drawings, and configuring a sports marketing plan.
In 2017, Hunden completed an updated study for Collier County that included a governance and management analysis comparing national operating structures and outlining key measures for accountability, responsiveness, and capacity.
Impact
The County advanced Hunden’s recommendations, and construction of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex followed. The complex opened in 2020 with the first phase costing approximately $80 million, establishing a premier regional destination featuring a 3,500-seat stadium, multiple turf fields, volleyball courts, a fitness pavilion, and a lakeside bar. Collier County plans to break ground on Phase III of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex at the end of 2025, adding a multipurpose field, restrooms, a parking lot, and a metal building structure at a cost of $9–$10 million, with funding already secured. Phase IV is proposed to add 11 more fields for $40 million – $50 million, which are expected to boost programming by 22 percent, generate more than $300,000, and enhance the visitor experience.
