FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
|
|
|
Gov. Justice delivers $1.8 million to the City of Bridgeport to support The Bridge Sports Complex expansion
|
|
BRIDGEPORT, WV — Gov. Justice today delivered $1.8 million in matching funds to the City of Bridgeport to construct multiple turf fields at The Bridge Sports Complex.
The fields will serve various turf-related sports, including baseball, soccer, and lacrosse.
“I’ve been to some pretty incredible sporting facilities, but I have to tell you—Bridge Sports Complex is right up there with the best of them,” Gov. Justice said. “The facility is already bringing hundreds and hundreds of visitors to the area, boosting our economy, and most importantly, supporting our young athletes. With these expansion plans in the works, we are positioning Bridgeport to do more and more goodness. Let’s keep it going.”
|
|
The Bridge Sports Complex hosts more than 50 events annually, bringing in visitors and supporting local businesses. With the addition of these new fields, the complex will be able to host even more events, creating new jobs and generating an estimated $18 million each year for the local economy.
“Bridgeport wants to thank Governor Justice for this generous contribution to our efforts to expand the economic impact of amateur and youth sports tourism that is growing exponentially in Bridgeport,” Mayor Lang said. “Our planned improvements are essential to meet the growing demand. These funds, provided by Governor Justice, will be transformational for our city.”
“This grant will position The Bridge Complex to bring substantial sports tourism dollars to our region,” Droo Callahan, General Manager at The Bridge Sports Complex, said. “Our prime location and the increased activity the turf will allow, will create an accessible and vibrant competitive environment that is unmatched in the region.”
|
|
The expansion is expected to be completed by Fall 2025, further establishing Bridgeport as a premier destination for regional and national youth sports events.
The Water Development Authority approved $900,000 in funds from the Economic Enhancement Grant Funds for the project, and the Governor’s Office added an additional $900,000 through matching dollars.
About The Bridge Sports Complex
The Bridge Sports Complex is a regional competition athletics facility and community asset designed and constructed to enhance the lives of the citizens of Bridgeport and north central West Virginia. The complex sits on 126 acres in Bridgeport and includes an outdoor turf field, baseball diamonds, multipurpose fields, a walking path, and the Citynet Center, which is an indoor facility with 156,000 square feet of courts, turf, aquatics, fitness, and more. The facility is a sports tournament destination venue attracting over 1 million visitors annually from the region. The complex has more than 6,000 members from Harrison County and beyond.
|
|
|
|
