Thursday, July 13, 2023

Confidential draft reveals plan for $45.5 million sports/event center for Joplin


Plans for sporting facilities that could bring major sports events to Joplin, including a $45.5 million multipurpose sports and events center will be presented to Joplin City Council Monday.

The plans were created by an Assessment Steering Committee consisting of representatives from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Joplin Sports Authority, Missouri Southern State University, Southwest Missouri Lodging Association, Joplin High School, and Joplin Parks and Recreation, working with consultants from CSL International.







The multipurpose sports and events center is the most expensive of the four options that will be presented to the council.

The committee is seeking the council's approval to develop a funding plan.

According to the committee's report, the venue, no matter which of the four plans is chosen (if any are chosen) would have hardwood for court sports on one side and turf on the opposite side. These would be removable enabling events such as trade shows, events, meetings and community activities to be held

The center of the venue would include a snack bar, pro shop, party rooms, team rooms, staff offices and storage.

"The challenge is building a venue that is not merely catching up but one that places Joplin in the lead," the report says.

In addition to the $45.5 million plan, CSL's confidential plan includes alternatives costing $40.3 million, $28.3 million and a bargain basement $19.8 million.

According to CSL, with one of these venues, the Joplin Sports Authority "could target the following organizations to bring their indoor events to Joplin:

Great American Conference, Great Lakes Valley Conference, MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association, National Junior College Athletic Association, National Christian College Athletics Association, Missouri State High School Activities Association, Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, Amateur Athletic Union, Junior Olympics, Heart of America Athletic Conference, American Midwest Conference, Conference Commissioners Association, Kaymax Sports, TJ Britton Group







While initial events to be targeted for the indoor area should be basketball, volleyball, soccer and wrestling, the report says, other events that should be factored in include everything from gymnastics to roller derby, air hockey and indoor cricket.

The venue would also enable the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce to hold its annual expo in the city, the report said, as well as attract many organizations that no longer hold their events in Joplin because there is no venue large enough.
























11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Assuming principle alone with no interest, staff, or expenses, that is over $4k a day, every day, for 30 years. I’m not sure this makes financial sense…because it won’t be always in use…

Anonymous said...

What a lame secret plan!

No metion at all about getting a minor league baseball team so Joplin can jopin the BIG LEAGUES!!!

Anonymous said...

Didn't we waste a bunch of money on a baseball stadium that's pretty underused? This town has proven over and over it can't be trusted. Not starting with this.

Anonymous said...

I assume it is no longer confidential!!!!!

Anonymous said...



Time to ante up suckers!

Anonymous said...


"Three groups spend other people's money: children, thieves, politicians. All three need supervision." Dick Armey

Anonymous said...

Nice pipe dream.

Anonymous said...

Ridiculous to spend that kind of money. What about the sports park by schifferdecker? What about the ball field? What about the public pools that were built and aren't even open during the summer?
All Joplin City can do is waste money.

Anonymous said...

HERE WE GO AGAIN - - WAKE UP - If this Investment is so Vital and so Lucrative then why does the Tax-Payers Need to Fund this - this is a STUPID IDEA - AGAIN IF THIS HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL AND WAS SUCH A MONEY MAKER - WHY WOULDN'T - PRIVATE INVESTORS AND COMPANIES - WANT TO INVEST IN THIS PROJECT...

Could the Money be Used Elsewhere -

What about the Old - Four Seasons Sports Complex / Joplin Athletic Complex - - How many Sports Complexes do we need in Joplin - - Government - Needs to STOP COMPETING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES - BY USING OUR TAX DOLLARS TO PROP UP THESE PROJECTS THAT WILL END UP LOSING MONEY...

IF ALL THESE - ORGANIZATIONS THINK IT IS SUCH A GOOD IDEA LET THEM CO-SIGN ON THE LOANS
PERSONALLY WITH THEIR MEMBERS TO BACK BORROWING THE MONEY TO PURCHASE / RUN / MAINTAIN - THESE FACILITIES...

YOU WON'T SEE THAT - - ALL THEY KNOW IS USE TAX-PAYERS DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THEIR RIDICULOUS PLANS - - DIDN'T WE SEE ENOUGH OF THAT DURING THE REBUILDING OF JOPLIN AFTER THE TORNADO - - CAN WE SAY - HERE WE GO AGAIN - DEJAVO......



Anonymous said...

Oh so this is what Wallace Bajjali has been up to 😂

Anonymous said...

I think the revenue from indoor cricket and roller derby will justify this project.