Greenwood Sports Complex Scrapped
Plans for the 60-acre property were unveiled mid-2017.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPlans for a $40 million sports and entertainment complex in Greenwood are now off the table. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Mark Myers cited "circumstances beyond our control" for the development not coming to fruition. The 60-acre complex, which was to be located along I-65, was being developed by Jim and Sean Hallett, who also own the Indy Fuel hockey team.
Myers says he was informed by the Hallett family that the project was no longer moving forward. Plans for the development were first announced a year ago, at which time the city said the project would be one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. Negotiations for the definitive agreements between the developers and the city were still ongoing as of January.
"It is unfortunate that circumstances outside of our control have created an unworkable deal structure," said Myers. "As those in commercial development know, with many parties working together, one wrinkle has the ability to create significant ripple effects."
The project would have included a 175,000-square-foot Greenwood Sportsplex with two ice rinks, two turf fields, five basketball courts, and a fitness and training facility. The development would have also had space for entertainment, dining, retail, and a 200-room hotel.
The Halletts originally planned a $20 million ice sports facility in Freedom Park, however those plans were scrapped following opposition from residents as well as potential legal issues regarding tax abatements. Myers says the city will continue to pursue new developments for the property on which the sports complex would have stood.
You can view the mayor’s full statement below:
The City of Greenwood has been informed by the Hallett family, developers of the proposed Sportsplex along I-65, that the project will no longer move forward. We have exhausted our efforts in an attempt to facilitate a successful project. It is unfortunate that circumstances outside of our control have created an unworkable deal structure. As those in commercial development know, with many parties working together, one wrinkle has the ability to create significant ripple effects.
Working closely with the Greenwood Redevelopment Commission (RDC) my staff and I have pursued each project at this location with rigor, diligence and the motivating spirit that drives us every day, Pride and Progress. With that said, it is time to move forward, roll our sleeves up and get back to work.
The City of Greenwood and I may have critics, but even the critics can’t question our persistence. Our persistence built Freedom Springs, saved Old Town Greenwood, and our persistence has Greenwood in the driver’s seat toward future growth and prosperity. We will not let this, or anything else, divert us from that goal.
Thank you for your support to our wonderful community. As always, it is truly an honor to serve as your Mayor.
Mark W. Myers, Mayor
