New Fishers sports complex to be considered Monday

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) – The Fishers City Council will consider a plan to build a new $76 million sports complex Monday night.

If approved, the complex would go up near the intersection of 136th Street and Olio Road. But not everyone wants to see that happen.

Some people wonder if Hamilton County could sustain another large sports complex. Grand Park in Westfield opened up just about a year ago, and is less than 20 miles away. Still, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness says the need exists.

The complex would include a 4,200 seat arena, with a 245-000 square foot fieldhouse, and a parking garage. It would also have 32 basketball courts, a soccer field and a running track. The complex would host youth sports programs and other events. People on Fishers could also use it for recreation.

The mayor says private companies will pay for the project, but the developers will receive about $2 million in tax benefits over the next 10 years and will not have to pay some fees.

“I honestly believe this is a really good economic structure for the city, so even though some may philosophically not believe in incentives in general, in the application of these incentives I feel pretty strongly that the return on investment is a sound one for Fishers,” said Fadness.

The Hamilton County Sports Authority estimates the complex would have a $112 million economic impact every year.

The city council will meet Monday at 7 p.m. There’s also a community information session on Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. The council is scheduled to vote May 18.