OC Council Unanimously Approves Site for Proposed Sports Complex
Image Courtesy of Town of Ocean City
OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Mayor and City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to move forward with a purchase contract for nearly 200 acres of property as future home for a regional sports complex.
Leaders say the seven-zero vote marks a significant step forward in the Town’s ongoing effort to develop a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor sports complex. The proposed facility is envisioned as a regional sports destination capable of hosting tournaments and events while simultaneously expanding Ocean City’s ability to generate visitation outside of the traditional summer season. The facility is also expected to create opportunities for local schools, youth athletics and community programming.
The newly identified property is located approximately three miles west of the site previously considered near Stephen Decatur High School, and offers nearly twice the acreage. Leaders say the new site provides greater flexibility for the design of the complex, supporting infrastructure and potential future expansion. More than 100 potential properties have been reviewed for the project.
“This is an important milestone for a project that has been carefully evaluated for more than a decade,” said Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director. “Sports tourism gives us an opportunity to diversify our tourism economy, create demand during traditionally slower periods and invest in an amenity that can benefit residents and visitors for generations.”
During Tuesday’s discussion, the Mayor and City Council also reaffirmed that the proposed sports complex will not be funded through property tax revenues. The Town intends to utilize occupancy tax revenues dedicated to the project, along with state funding and other available funding sources, as planning continues.
Ocean City will also continue working with the Maryland Stadium Authority on the next phases of due diligence, planning and development.
