Welcome to the November 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are changing things up to focus on one key area of the facilities we have showcased in the past, Design and Experience.  Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility. 

What Does Design and Experience Add to a Facility? 

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is a key non-profit promoting community strength through parks and recreation. While 20th-century Parks and Recreation departments mainly managed local sports facilities, the late 1980s and 1990s saw a shift toward partnerships for competition-grade facilities to drive economic development. Currently, modern Parks and Recreation departments are investing in multi-use, hybrid athletic complexes that incorporate tourism, moving beyond traditional offerings. A key element of these newer designs is the experience for athletes and spectators. Let’s explore some facilities that incorporate design and experience into their destination.   

A Culturally Diverse Sports Experience 

Eco's Sports Park, Puerto Rico 

Many Latin American facilities are supported by their government as a social project for their citizens.  Such is the case for Eco’s Sports Park in sunny Puerto Rico.  Constructed in 2012, its architecture design takes into consideration the location’s weather and atmospheric attributes. It was designed as an “Adapted Product” which allows design development to take into consideration cost-efficiency environmental traits. 

Renewable energy production is important to sustainability efforts, so they included 40 kW solar panels to generate power for the complex. They also use the highest grade of artificial grass for the field sport areas.  Rather than making a facility that is contrary to their destination and climate, they embraced many design principles to make it unique and sustainable for their athletes and spectators. 

“Showtime, All the Time.” 

Henrico Sports & Events Center in metro Richmond, VA 

Henrico Sports & Events Center (HSEC) exemplifies their motto “Showtime, All the Time.”  This isn’t just a motto, but more of a consistent force that has generated close to 400,000 visitors through their doors in just one year.  

The HSEC, designed by Aria Group and commissioned by Rebkee Development, is a 185,000-square-foot facility that prioritizes both athlete and attendee comfort and experience. Beyond the main attractions, the facility features a central bar with lounge seating, two concession areas, and a stand operated by the local restaurant Industrial Tap House. 

Designed to serve as a community hub during the week and a premier destination for visiting teams and spectators on weekends, the HSEC incorporates thoughtful design elements to foster excitement, engagement, and connection. The flexible space can also seamlessly accommodate multiple events at once, thanks to features such as court dividers, a sound curtain, and adjustable partitions in meeting rooms. 

Visionary Attitude is Key.   

Rock Hill Sports & Event Center, Rock Hill, S.C. 

It is not common to have a municipality that has such a vision and attitude to be impactful in the sport event & tourism industry. The Rock Hill Sports & Event Center (The Center) is a state-of-the-art sports hub in the University Center area of Rock Hill.  The 170,000 sq. ft. facility hosts sports tournaments, conferences, conventions, city athletic programs, and other activities. The facility is owned, operated, maintained and programmed by the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department.   

Mark Sexton, Director, City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism shared “In Rock Hill, we may be somewhat unique as a municipality that owns, operates and markets sports and event venues.  With strong support from the City Council and City Management over many decades, we’ve built first-class venues where our dedicated staff provide excellent customer service which encourages repeat event business.   

“Evolving Alongside a Destinations Growth”  

The Monument, Rapid City, SD 

Facilities, such as The Monument, can not only be a great partner for the community but also an economic driver that brings visitors to the region. The Monument welcomes over half a million visitors annually, ranging from local residents to out-of-state travelers. This steady flow of guests keeps the venue vibrant and supports the broader regional economy.   

Its design balances innovation with tradition, incorporating a façade pattern reminiscent of the original brickwork and streamlining the structure with a 50% reduction in exterior windows from the initial concepts. The result is a venue that respects its history while meeting today’s needs.  Locals take pride in having a first-class facility in their community, while visitors consistently remark on the hospitality and warmth of the Rapid City area. 

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKERS: Design Elements Lead to Excellent Experience 

When you review the themes of the facilities in this showcase, you will find the following terms to describe them; culture, purpose, vision, and growth.  These key components are a part of their facilities and drive the experience level of their athletes and spectators. In today’s sports tourism market, being able to differentiate your destination is key and needed to drive the overall experience.  When you look at your sports facilities, what experiences are you generating or wish to generate?  Is the design of your facility enabling the best experience possible?  Having a sport facility that is a benefit to your community and athletes is key in today’s competing market.  

What are your design characteristics of your facility? 

How does your facility embody a positive visitor experience?   

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Want to showcase a facility in your destination? 
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org 

Miss a previous Facility Showcase? Check them out here! 

 Posted in: Sports Events and Tourism Industry, Sports ETA, Sports Events and Tourism Association, Sports Facilities Summit