Dallas Fort Worth is getting a $70m, 122 acre youth sports complex with former MLB player on board

Exciting news for young athletes and sports enthusiasts in North Texas! A massive 122-acre youth sports complex is set to transform Roanoke’s landscape, offering a haven for sports, entertainment, and community building.

Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing development:

1. Project Overview:
   • Location: Along State Highway 114 and Cleveland Gibbs Road, Roanoke
   • Size: 122 acres
   • Estimated Cost: $60-70 million
   • Expected Opening: 2025
2. Sports Facilities:
   • 5 baseball diamonds
   • 3 multi-purpose soccer fields (adaptable for lacrosse, softball, football, etc.)
   • Weekly youth sports tournaments
3. Additional Amenities:
   • Retail space
   • Hotel
   • High-end shopping and dining options
   • 1,000+ parking spaces
   • Concession stands
   • Shaded seating for spectators
   • Trail network surrounding the sports fields
4. Community Impact:
   • Tournament proceeds will fund scholarships for local athletes
   • Fosters community spirit
   • Provides a healthy environment for children’s physical development
   • Builds essential life skills like collaboration, leadership, and resilience
5. Development Team:
   • Play It Forward (114 Development Group)
   • Partnership with the City of Roanoke
   • Led by Dave Dickson and Blake Beavan (former MLB player)

This project aligns with the growing trend of youth sports-centered developments in North Texas, joining other notable facilities like the Dallas Stars’ projects in Farmers Branch and Lewisville. As the region embraces the importance of youth sports, Play It Forward aims to elevate North Texas’ reputation as a leader in nurturing young athletes.

Dave Dickson and Blake Beavan are driving the vision for Play It Forward. Dickson is an entrepreneur with a background in finance and Beavan is a former Major League Baseball player who is now director for the Dallas Tigers, a select youth and high school baseball team, which will use the upcoming venue for practices and tournaments.

“Youth sports play a crucial role in fostering community spirit and providing children with a healthy environment to develop physically, improve overall health, and build essential life skills such as collaboration, leadership, and resilience,” Dave Dickson, managing partner of 114 Development said in a statement.

The complex promises to be more than just a sports venue – it’s set to become a destination for families, offering a blend of athletic activities, entertainment, and community engagement. As we look forward to its 2025 opening, this project stands as a testament to the power of sports in shaping our youth and bringing communities together.

via: WFAA

photo: City of Roanoke, Texas