The conceptual idea for the City of Owensboro’s Indoor Sports Facility was released Tuesday.
The facility is being built on the site of the former Owensboro Antique Mall, between West 3rd and 4th streets and Locust and Cedar streets.
The building is planned to span roughly 86,000 square feet with seven basketball courts — a typical layout, according to Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock. Hancock said that equals about 14 volleyball courts and anywhere from 21-28 pickleball courts, depending on how tight players wish to make the courts.
Hancock said the facility will be able to fit about 100 archery targets, facilitate cheer and dance, and install a modular indoor soccer turf.
“It’s kind of like the current basketball court at the SportsCenter; you’d have a modular system you can lay down and play futsal or soccer on,” Hancock said.
There will also be a roughly 10,000-square- foot mezzanine area from which to watch the action.
Hancock said many set pieces — such as nets and dividers — will be efficiently stored near where they are needed to quickly and easily switch between different sports.
“It’s a multi-use facility. Everyone will be able to utilize the building in one way, shape, form, or fashion. I can’t say that it’s perfect [for any one group]. Otherwise, you’d just design it for [that sport], but when you do that you eliminate the rest. I believe every one of them gets a win in this facility,” he said.
Parking predominately will be at the former Roberts Brothers Auto Mart (603 West Fourth Street) and the Locust Street garage.
Hancock noted that materials and items are becoming more prevalent and available since the pandemic. Still, he said, the projected completion date is now December 2025.
