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From the first day of the thought and planning process, it's been
nearly five years in the making.
The Sports USA Sports Complex is taking shape in the 19600 block
of East Cataldo Avenue. The facility is located about a quarter-mile
north of I-90 and east of Barker Road.
Sitting on just over an acre of land, the 56,120 square foot structure
will feature five full length basketball courts, 10 volleyball courts
and seating for over 2,000 spectators.
Kert Carlson is the founder and executive director of the complex,
which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operation.
"The walls are up. Steel framing is going in for the structure,"
Carlson said. "It's the first of its kind and quite unique."
Carlson said he is still on target for an opening of Jan. 15 or
22. If Sports USA Sports Complex opens Jan. 15, it will be 15 days
short of five years to make the facility operational, according
to Carlson.
On the second story of the building will be a 10,150 square foot
mezzanine that includes an exercise area, two studios, a conference
room and offices.
Carlson said the calendar is filling up for events at the complex.
Four weeks are booked in March 2004.
"We have contracts with AAU volleyball and basketball,"
Carlson said.
There will be an AAU boys basketball tournament in February, and
an AAU volleyball tourney in May.
Events include the first Stacey Cline-Smith AAU Basketball Tournament
and the first Shawn Higgins Memorial Basketball Tournament.
"We just landed a benefit volleyball tournament for people
with disabilities on March 6, through Career Connection," Carlson
said.
"A lot of things are moving and shaking," Carlson added.
"Businesses are getting behind us ... If you're looking for
your special events and trade shows they'll be here."
During the summer will be camps and developmental leagues at the
complex. Individual and team video training will be available.
Another idea is for sports retreats, where larger companies can
rent the facilities for private use by their employees.
Coming to Sports USA Sports Complex in December 2004 is a trade
show, with more than 175 booths expected.
The complex is not only for competition and camps. There will be
51 pieces of exercise equipment inside, and aerobics classes will
be offered. Memberships are now available.
Eventually, the Sports USA Sports Complex will cover from 25 to
30 acres. Future expansion possibilities include an indoor baseball/softball,
track and field, and football/soccer facilities, outdoor volleyball,
racquetball and handball courts, and a sports theme restaurant.
Sports USA Sports Complex will host an "evening of giving,"
Nov. 16 at Spokane Valley Mall. Persons who buy a $5 ticket will
be entitled to a three-hour visit to the mall for special retail
offers.
The complex Web site is www.sports-usa.org.
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