Key Takeaways
- Fort Worth officials outlined an $82 million plan over 12 years to expand athletic field capacity across the city
- A new baseball and softball complex with at least eight fields could receive $40–50 million in 2030 bond funding
- Four existing parks would get $48 million in upgrades through the proposed 2026 bond, pending voter approval in May
- The city’s Cowtown Classic soccer tournament draws 300+ teams annually but turns away additional participants due to capacity limits
- A 2024 study identified an $80 million local infrastructure gap for diamond and long fields serving Fort Worth youth leagues
Catching Up on Sports Tourism Revenue
Fort Worth city staff presented plans November 4 to address what they describe as insufficient athletic infrastructure for both local youth participation and tournament hosting.
Dave Lewis, the city’s park and recreation director, told the City Council that Fort Worth lacks facilities to meet current demand. “We believe that might be our best bet to really not only capitalize on sports tourism, but also make that a better facility for local play,” Lewis said regarding planned improvements to Rolling Hills Park.
A 2019 study commissioned by the city found Fort Worth had a “strong opportunity” in sports tourism and recommended building a multifield complex with at least 20 long fields for soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and field hockey. That study projected such a facility could generate $16 million in annual spending.
Lewis noted that sports tourism represents an $11 billion industry and acknowledged Fort Worth is “missing the boat” on this revenue stream.
Four Parks Targeted for 2026 Bond Upgrades
The city’s preliminary proposal allocates $48 million across four athletic complexes, contingent on voter approval of the May 2026 bond. Parks and open space initiatives account for $185.1 million, or 22%, of the proposed $840 million bond package.
West Park would receive $3 million to repair and expand facilities, adding both long and diamond fields with upgrades.
Alliance Park would get $10 million to complete improvements outlined in its master plan, including 11 new long fields with lighting and restrooms.
Gateway Park represents the largest single investment at $25 million for expanded capacity, new long and diamond fields, additional restrooms, and improved lighting.
Rolling Hills Park would receive $10 million for field renovation, plus new parking, restrooms, lighting, and drainage systems. Lewis highlighted current safety issues at the park, where large tournaments force participants to park across the street from the facility.
Baseball and Softball Complex Eyed for 2030
The proposed diamond complex, targeted for the 2030 bond cycle, would include at least eight fields of varying sizes developed through partnerships with local and regional sports organizations.
The city has not identified a specific location but plans to use undeveloped open space. This aligns with Mayor Mattie Parker’s goal to acquire 10,000 acres of open land by 2028, according to Lewis.
The project timeline depends on land acquisition, and city staff indicated that public-private partnerships with corporations or major funders could accelerate the timeline by nearly a decade.
Local Participation Remains Below Regional Benchmarks
Fort Worth’s youth sports participation lags behind comparable cities. A 2019 study found that 15% of children in Frisco play soccer, compared to just 5% in Fort Worth.
The city’s annual Cowtown Classic soccer tournament illustrates both demand and current limitations. The event attracts more than 300 teams but organizers must turn away additional participants due to facility constraints.
A separate 2024 study identified roughly $80 million in needed sports complex investments to serve local teams adequately. Lewis said the shortage affects youth athletic organizations seeking to expand programs within city facilities.
“We want to make sure that we have enough fields to accommodate these associations and the youth that play with them, so that a lack of room is not the reason kids aren’t activating,” Lewis said.
The city has existing initiatives to support youth sports access, including programs to integrate athletics into schools, maintain low participation fees, and provide field access near educational facilities.
Looking Ahead
Fort Worth’s proposed investment reflects broader recognition of youth sports infrastructure as both a community resource and economic development tool. The 2022 youth-centered sports tourism market was valued at $91 billion nationally, a segment city officials acknowledged Fort Worth has largely missed.
Implementation depends on voter approval of bond measures and successful public-private partnerships. The city’s approach prioritizes upgrades to existing facilities while planning for new construction as land becomes available and funding is secured through future bond cycles.
via: Fort Worth Report
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