Proposed Midtown Fort Myers sports complex seen as economic boon

A proposed multiuse sports complex in Midtown Fort Myers at the site of the old City of Palms Park would be a socioeconomic boon for the city, according to an independent study by Points Consulting. 

Fort Myers hired the firm in January to study the economics of the project proposed last year by Indiana developer Card & Associates. The developer told Fort Myers City Council that an indoor-outdoor sports complex and community center could anchor a larger development with retail shops, a hotel, residences, a park and other amenities — and potentially become a centerpiece of the city’s efforts to revitalize the 243-acre Midtown district. 

Points Consulting project lead and economist Brian Points presented the results of the study May 7 during Council’s two-day budget retreat at Eastwood Golf Course. 

“In conclusion, we really think the community would greatly benefit from this, and we don’t see any notable drawbacks,” said Points, speaking remotely on audio only to council members, staff and reporters gathered for the workshop. 

The study found that an indoor-outdoor sports and community facility would be a unique regional hub serving an unmet demand for local and traveling athletes throughout a primary market area including Lee, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hendry and Sarasota counties. The area is expected to grow to about 1.7 million residents by 2030. 

Points said there are several similar facilities in the region, but they have limited space, are not mixed-use developments or are restricted to outdoor sports. The indoor portion of the Fort Myers facility could span 150,000 to 200,000 square feet, enough space for seven basketball courts, 14 volleyball courts, a 1,500-seat arena, 60,000 square feet of turf, and hitting and pitching tunnels. 

The area’s top potential competitors include Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Collier County, which has become a regional hub for travel sports since opening in 2020, along with Englewood Sports Complex and Cape Coral Sports Complex. 

Once fully operational, Points estimated the facility would generate $62.7 million in annual economic output. It also would increase combined property tax, sales tax and tourist tax revenues in Lee County by nearly $2 million annually and Florida sales tax revenues by nearly $4.8 million. 

Points’ 48-page “Fort Myers Sports Facility Economic Impact Analysis” evaluated only the potential sports facility, not Card & Associates’ larger development plans surrounding it. The study represents the initial results of the city’s eight-month site scoping agreement with Card to refine a master-planned concept for development on the site. 

That includes the City of Palms Park property, which is slated for demolition, and surrounding land totaling about 25 acres. Card plans to reimburse the city for the $356,180 cost of the study if the project moves forward. 

Points’ team projected the facility would benefit from discretionary sports spending driven by the area’s moderate-to-high household incomes. The current median household income of $80,000 per year is expected to grow to $94,000 by 2030. Area residents also have an average net worth of about $368,000, according to the study, due largely to real estate and other investments. 

The sports complex would be an all-ages, year-round facility, though its core user group likely would be children ages 10 to 17. The facility also could draw national and international visitors due to growing interest in competitive traveling leagues across a variety of sports. 

“The context here is also sports tourism is on the rise,” Points said. “That has really taken off.” 

And often, he added, families travel with their children to tournaments: “It’s not just for kids, it also becomes an aspect of recreation for parents, as well.” 

Points projected growth through 2030 across sports-related spending categories, including trips, membership fees, event admissions and equipment. 

Councilor Terolyn Watson asked whether the complex could accommodate a full-size track and field facility. Card & Associates Florida consultant Cole Peacock said a track would be “a different conversation,” but the developer has not ruled anything out. 

“Everything is on the table, but they will go down a path of what will generate money for the city,” he said. 

The facility likely would attract tourists and visitors during peak visitation season, according to the study. Of Fort Myers’ 3.3 million annual visitors, about 10% attend sporting events. 

The facility’s setting in a neighborhood primed for growth, within walking distance of downtown Fort Myers’ River District and near Interstate 75, also makes it an attractive location. 

Peacock added that Card & Associates has discussed the project with Dover, Kohl & Partners, an architectural design firm working with the city on Midtown development. 

In March, City Council approved the first $29.5 million phase of Midtown infrastructure development focused on underground utility upgrades and streetscaping work. 

Fort Myers Economic Development Director Steve Weathers called the potential sports complex “a piece of the puzzle” of Midtown development. 

Mayor Kevin Anderson wrapped up the discussion, adding, “I’m sensing this is something we want to move forward on.”