Key Takeaways
- The Buena Vista Sports Complex opened in south Laredo with $45 million in voter-approved sales tax funding, featuring 10 artificial turf baseball and softball fields plus 2 multipurpose fields across nearly 200 acres
- Thirty teams have already expressed interest in playing at the tournament-designed facility, which aims to host regional and statewide events
- The complex’s Championship Field is dedicated to late Parks and Recreation director J.J. Gomez, who shaped the project before his December 2024 death
- Phase 2 designs are approved for 5 additional baseball fields, 4 multipurpose fields, an amphitheater, and potential splash pad features
- Hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses are showing interest in the Cuatro Vientos Road corridor following the complex’s completion
Tournament Infrastructure Meets Local League Demand
Laredo’s Buena Vista Sports Complex became operational on January 28, marking the completion of Phase 1 development on the nearly 200-acre site along Cuatro Vientos Road. The facility includes 10 artificial turf baseball and softball fields and 2 multipurpose turf fields configured for soccer and football, all equipped with lighting for evening play.
The complex was funded through a voter-approved sales tax and designed to serve dual purposes. Local leagues gain access to tournament-grade infrastructure while the city positions itself to attract regional and statewide competitions. Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino confirmed that 30 teams have expressed interest in using the facility.
Economic Development Strategy for South Laredo
City officials frame the investment as an economic catalyst beyond athletics. Trevino noted emerging interest from hotels, restaurants, and retail near the Cuatro Vientos Road corridor, describing the complex as “an investment in youth, development and economic opportunity for south Laredo.”
The location sits east of Cuatro Vientos Road and Bob Bullock Loop 20, between Lomas Del Sur Boulevard and La Pita Mangana Road. The project received land donations from the Valdez and Ramos families.
Honoring J.J. Gomez’s Vision for Local Access
The complex’s Championship Field bears the name of J.J. Gomez, the longtime United High School baseball coach and Parks and Recreation director who contributed to the project’s planning before his death in December. His family attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
District I Councilmember Gilbert Gonzalez, whose district includes the complex, said “J.J.’s position will soon be posted and filled, but one thing that will never be replaced is his love and his passion for his department and for the Buena Vista Sports Complex.”
City leaders highlighted Gomez’s focus on bringing tournaments to Laredo rather than requiring families to travel elsewhere for competition opportunities.
Expansion Already Approved
Phase 2 designs have received City Council approval and include 5 additional baseball fields and 4 multipurpose fields. Plans also call for expanded public spaces, including an amphitheater integrated into the site’s existing ponds and a potential splash-pad-style water feature.
The ceremony drew families and youth athletes who filled the seating area beneath stadium lights. Following the ribbon cutting, local baseball, softball, and soccer teams took to the fields for practice sessions.
via: IMT Online
photo: Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning Times
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