If you've recently talked to a parent in Greater Palm Springs, chances are you've heard stories of early-morning drives to tournaments, travel expenses piling up, and weekends packed with games across Southern California and beyond. Youth and amateur sports have exploded across the country, and traveling hours away to compete has become the norm.
Communities that have invested in state-of-the-art sports facilities are not only meeting growing demand, they’re seeing substantial economic returns. According to the Sports Events & Tourism Association’s (Sports ETA) 2024 State of the Industry: Spectator Sports Tourism report, fan travel to sporting events generated $47.1 billion in direct spending last year, powering a total economic impact of $114.4 billion and supporting more than 664,000 jobs nationwide. The report also found that 109.7 million non-local attendees traveled 50 miles or more to attend spectator sporting events in 2024, with 63.5 million staying overnight. Now, Greater Palm Springs has a chance to capture similar benefits by strengthening its own sports tourism offerings.
A New Vision for Sports, Tourism & Community
Visit Greater Palm Springs recently commissioned a series of feasibility studies for a potential regional amateur sports complex. The results are clear: a thoughtfully designed indoor facility could fill a critical gap in both our tourism economy and our community recreation infrastructure.
Highlights from the study show a projected:
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$46.3 million annual economic impact
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34,300 annual hotel room nights
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561,500 total annual attendee days
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$384,600 in annual net operating profit (excluding debt service)
Beyond the numbers, this project offers a major step forward in regional quality of life, keeping local athletes closer to home, creating new opportunities for youth development, and supporting wellness, recreation, and community pride.
Built for Both Locals and Visitors
The proposed facility would be approximately 200,000 square feet, featuring:
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10 full-size basketball courts (or 16 volleyball courts)
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Training spaces, locker rooms, a café, party rooms, and potential for esports, indoor track, and ice rinks.
In future phases, outdoor fields could be added to support sports like soccer, lacrosse, football, and rugby.
But the impact goes far beyond the walls of the facility. Across the country, venues like this have become anchors for larger mixed-use developments, sparking investment in restaurants, retail, entertainment, and housing. These projects breathe new life into underused areas, creating dynamic destinations that blend sports, culture, and community gathering spaces.
This facility would not only meet the needs of visiting tournament teams, but also provide year-round access for local leagues, school teams, families, and fitness enthusiasts across the Coachella Valley, supporting both community wellness and regional placemaking goals.
A Year-Round Economic Driver
Greater Palm Springs is already home to major events like the BNP Paribas Open, The American Express, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. But we currently lack the infrastructure to attract and host youth and amateur sports events at scale.
The proposed complex would help fill that gap, providing a stable, year-round economic engine that drives tourism during summer and shoulder seasons, diversifies our economy, and reduces our dependence on large seasonal events.
Strategic Advantages: We're Ready
What sets Greater Palm Springs apart as a future sports destination?
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Location: Within a three-hour drive of 22 million people
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Access: Direct air service to 35 cities through Palm Springs International Airport
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Infrastructure: 19,000+ hotel rooms across a range of price points
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Reputation: A globally recognized leisure destination already known for excellence in hospitality and events
