November 17, 2022 – Opening in 2024, The Shops at Emerald Acres Sports Connection is the retail, restaurant, and hotel component of the 150-acre Emerald Acres Sports Connection development. The $60 million indoor and outdoor sports complex is projected to draw 580,000 visitors, generate $23.8 million in direct spending, and 59,000 hotel room nights sold on an annual basis. This is a next generation best-in-class youth and amateur sports experience for families and athletes of all ages. It will have a high-quality, program-driven design, including indoor basketball/volleyball courts, outdoor baseball/softball and multi-purpose turf fields, family entertainment, medical sector partnerships, food and beverage, and special events such as concerts, rodeos, and other sports and entertainment experiences. This exciting development is in the Central Illinois-Mattoon-Charleston Trade Area; and its proximity to Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis and numerous micropolitan statistical areas will draw customers from up to 200 miles. Youth sports is a $45 billion industry and continues to be a reliable, recession-resistant driver of traffic and is forecasted to grow by 10-15% per year over the next five to seven years (Wintergreen Research). This project will be developed and managed by the Sports Facilities Companies Network (SFM Network). SFM Network is the youth and amateur sports industry leader in design, development, and facilities management. They manage the largest single network of sports tourism venues in the country. The Emerald Acres site will offer walkable access to retail, restaurant, and hotel amenities for players, families, and coaches. Ninety percent of the money in youth travel sports is spent outside of the walls of the venue, and customer analytics confirms that the youth sports tourism audience represents some of the wealthiest lifestyle segments in America today with strong buying power.
The Shops at Emerald Acres Sports Connection is a 127,956 square foot shopping center, which is 68% leased. There remains opportunity with 51,070 square feet still available.
PHASE II: Outlots – Seeking Hotels and Restaurants
Negotiations are underway on the outlots shown below north of The Shops at Emerald Acres Sports Connection with restaurants as well as tenants for a multi-tenant, small-shop building. Outlots remain available east of the shopping center and adjacent to The Emerald Acres Sports Connection indoor arena for additional restaurants and hotels.
Emerald Acres Sports Connection
