Key Takeaways
- The Springfield Clinic Dome spans 190,000 square feet and stands nearly 100 feet tall, making it the world’s largest air-supported sports dome
- Over 100 tournaments are planned across basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and soccer over the next year
- The facility can accommodate 3,000 to 4,000 spectators with flexible bleacher configurations for multiple simultaneous events
- Full complex opening targeted for Spring 2026, including five 90-foot diamonds, multi-purpose fields, and a performance center
- Springfield approved a new liquor license classification allowing beverage sales with mandatory wristband verification
via: Sasa Soccer / Scheel Sports Park IL – IG
A 190,000-Square-Foot Canvas for Multi-Sport Competition
The Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park officially inflated in June, two years after groundbreaking at the Legacy Pointe site. Managed by SFC, the structure measures nearly 250 feet wide and over 700 feet long, with interior clearance approaching 100 feet.
Inside, the dome houses basketball and volleyball courts, batting cages with golf simulation capability, and turf fields that can be configured for two full-size softball diamonds, a regulation soccer field, or a football field. General Manager Brandon Doherty noted the facility is designed to host two to three events simultaneously on weekends and weekdays.
The dome operates without permanent seating. Instead, bleachers are repositioned throughout the space depending on event locations. While official capacity numbers are still pending, Doherty estimates the venue will accommodate 3,000 to 4,000 attendees.
Tournament Pipeline Builds Across Multiple Sports
Since early this year, the dome has attracted consistent weekday bookings from local basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Weekend slots are filling with tournament and competition reservations.
Doherty reported over 100 tournaments scheduled across the next 12 months, with events running across multiple locations within the complex. The first dome event took place the first weekend of November.
“The kids are going to see people from different sides of the state, the region and even the country bringing elevated styles of play, and it just creates more competition,” Doherty said.
Outdoor Buildout Targets Spring 2026 Completion
The full Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe extends beyond the dome. When outdoor construction finishes in Spring 2026, the complex will include five 90-foot multi-use diamonds with corner infields, two double youth multi-purpose fields, and a stadium capable of hosting either a 90-foot diamond or full-size soccer field.
Additional planned amenities include an indoor performance and fitness area with hitting center, a food truck bar and pavilion, and an administrative building with restrooms and concessions.
Operational Framework Includes Beverage Service License
On January 6, the Springfield city council approved a new Class P liquor license classification specifically for the sports park. The license permits alcoholic beverage sales both outdoors and inside the dome through mobile units within designated fenced areas.
Corporation counsel Greg Moredock explained that mobile carts or concession stands can operate within the premises but cannot leave the secured perimeter. The ordinance requires ID verification and wristband distribution for purchasers, with wristbands required to be worn at all times to prevent service to minors.
Mayor Misty Buscher noted the existing ordinance only addressed golf courses and did not account for facilities like sports parks. The classification was developed to accommodate tournament operations at the venue.
Meeting Regional Demand for Year-Round Competition Space
The facility addresses a gap in regional youth sports infrastructure by providing climate-controlled competition space during Illinois winters and summer heat. Doherty emphasized the community impact beyond tournament hosting.
“For families within the community, it gives them a chance to stay in the community and then in turn, they get these great experiences where now they have more family members engaged, they have more community businesses engaged,” he said.
The phased opening allows the park to begin serving local teams and small tournaments while outdoor construction continues toward the full Spring 2026 launch.
via: Capitol City Now / Wand TV
imge: Enjoy Illinois
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