Saturday, May 17, 2008

Big League Dreams in Wesley Chapel

While ground hasn’t been broken yet for the construction of the Pasco National Tennis Center in Wesley Chapel, Pasco County is considering having a sports complex built and it too could be located in Wesley Chapel. (Other locations in Pasco are under consideration too.) If the complex becomes a reality, it would provide a forum for league tournaments. The Pasco Times reports that county officials heard pitches from two companies—Big League Dreams and Sportsplex USA, and afterwards a recommendation was made to proceed with discussions with Big League Dreams.

Under consideration is a concept where the county provides the land and the construction, and Big League Dreams would pay the county for the rights to operate the park for 30-40 years. The Times reports that Pasco could get “from $100,000 to $400,000 a year from events and the sale of hot dogs and beer”. Where does the money come from for the construction of the complex which could cost up to $35 million? Well, from the tourist tax dollars paid on hotel rooms rented and new home impact fees according to the Times. The sports complex would have to be approved by the Pasco BOCC and if it goes before the board, it will be interesting to see how commissioners vote.

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