Multipurpose/Indoor Sports Complex on Cowlitz County Event Center Campus
Project Overview
A new indoor multi-purpose facility is under consideration for the development, support and growth of activities already occurring at the Conference Center and broader CCEC campus. With a recommended size of ~40,000 SF (net usable), the multi-purpose space will be complemented by formalized a pre-function/concourse space, a prep kitchen, meeting space, and back-of-house capable of accommodating loading/unloading for exhibit events.
The design will consider flexibility for use by small to large groups, climate-controlled rooms for year-round use, and space for a variety of events year-round including trade shows, consumer shows, sporting events (such as basketball and volleyball,) training, and social, community and other civic events.
Funding Structure
The project will be funded through a combination of public and private sources to ensure long-term financial sustainability and community support. Funding will come from a voter-approved sales tax dedicated to capital improvements, supplemented by charitable contributions from individuals and local organizations. Additional support will be pursued through applicable state, federal, and foundation grants. Private investment may also be leveraged where appropriate to enhance project scope and delivery.
Phase 1 of this project is a new ~40,000 SF multi-purpose facility, which will anchor Phase 2 of the Master Plan. The location of the proposed Multi-Purpose Facility with associated storage and parking was swapped with the existing Farmer’s Market and associated parking location and will reside in the Northern parcel of the 7th Avenue Grassy Lot. This location will facilitate connectivity with the existing Event Center.
The multi-purpose venue is designed to accommodate indoor sports, while also providing larger contiguous multipurpose space for other events and activities. Beyond maintaining and enhancing The Event Center’s core functions, this Master Plan Update identifies opportunities to increase year-round utilization. The recommended addition of a multi-purpose facility will essentially triple The Event Centers' inventory of event space and create opportunities to host a range of larger events, such as trade shows, consumer shows, and sporting events.
These larger events, and in particular sports events, tend to have greater economic and fiscal impacts, bringing in more out-of-town attendees and driving room night demand, as well as spending at local restaurants and retailers. Additionally, this facility will allow The Event Center to continue to accommodate any existing events which are beginning to outgrow the current facilities and responds to the identified community need for more indoor sports facilities in Cowlitz County.
Phase 1 of this project is a new ~40,000 SF multi-purpose facility, which will anchor Phase 2 of the Master Plan. The location of the proposed Multi-Purpose Facility with associated storage and parking was swapped with the existing Farmer’s Market and associated parking location and will reside in the Northern parcel of the 7th Avenue Grassy Lot. This location will facilitate connectivity with the existing Event Center.
The multi-purpose venue is designed to accommodate indoor sports, while also providing larger contiguous multipurpose space for other events and activities. Beyond maintaining and enhancing The Event Center’s core functions, this Master Plan Update identifies opportunities to increase year-round utilization. The recommended addition of a multi-purpose facility will essentially triple The Event Centers' inventory of event space and create opportunities to host a range of larger events, such as trade shows, consumer shows, and sporting events.
These larger events, and in particular sports events, tend to have greater economic and fiscal impacts, bringing in more out-of-town attendees and driving room night demand, as well as spending at local restaurants and retailers. Additionally, this facility will allow The Event Center to continue to accommodate any existing events which are beginning to outgrow the current facilities and responds to the identified community need for more indoor sports facilities in Cowlitz County.