Houston Sports Park
When the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer relocated to Houston in 2005, team ownership Anschutz Entertainment Group expressed a strong desire for both a permanent stadium and training facility. The city-owned Gus Wortham Golf Course in Houston's East End was initially proposed as the site for this new complex. Houston Mayor Bill White and district councilwoman Carol Alvarado soon publicly opposed that idea. Attention shifted elsewhere by late 2007 when the city began looking to relatively undeveloped south Houston. Two sites along the South Freeway at Airport Boulevard and Almeda-Genoa Road were considered during this search.
Throughout 2008, the City of Houston purchased several adjoining tracts of land adjacent to the Houston Community College South Campus. They re-platted it as Houston Amateur Sports Park the following year. On the 25th of June 2008, the City of Houston and the Houston Dynamo officially announced plans for a 100-acre, 18-field park to the public. A public event where Mayor Bill White and other city officials were in attendance followed immediately after. On the 16th of December 2009, the city awarded a US$4.2 million contract to South Coast Construction, Inc. On the 9th of November 2011, the City of Houston created a municipally owned corporation called the Houston Amateur Sports Park LGC. The local government corporation is managed by an eleven-member board nominated by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. On the 28th of May 2014, the City of Houston acquired 32 more adjoining acres to add to the park.
The campus building is a single-story structure housing Athlete Training plus Health which spans 18,505 square feet. A 7,000 square foot tenant suite exists there for the Methodist Center for Sports Medicine. This center features a HydroWorx 1200 advanced underwater treadmill pool. There is also a 5,125 square foot permanent training center for the Houston Dynamo. The completed portion currently in use is known as Phase One of the construction project that began in 2011. The facility houses Sabercats Stadium along with Memorial Hermann Champions Field. It includes one artificial turf field and five additional grass fields.
On the 7th of February 2018, the City of Houston agreed to fund $3.2 million of the $15.25 million needed to build Aveva Stadium. This stadium was designed specifically for the Houston SaberCats of Major League Rugby. The stadium was completed in April 2019 and has a capacity for 4,000 spectators. This addition transformed the complex into a home for both soccer and rugby operations within the same district.
Fundraising for Phase Two is underway which will provide seven more lighted fields. The plan includes a restroom pavilion and misting stations for athletes. Picnic facilities, trails, playgrounds, and additional parking are part of the proposed expansion. The estimated cost to complete the complex is $12 million. These additions aim to serve the public and community while expanding recreational sports opportunities in south Houston.
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Common questions
When did the San Jose Earthquakes relocate to Houston?
The San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer relocated to Houston in 2005. Team ownership Anschutz Entertainment Group expressed a strong desire for both a permanent stadium and training facility following this move.
Where is the Houston Amateur Sports Park located?
The City of Houston purchased several adjoining tracts of land adjacent to the Houston Community College South Campus throughout 2008. The park occupies undeveloped south Houston along the South Freeway at Airport Boulevard and Almeda-Genoa Road.
Who manages the Houston Amateur Sports Park LGC?
The City of Houston created a municipally owned corporation called the Houston Amateur Sports Park LGC on the 9th of November 2011. This local government corporation is managed by an eleven-member board nominated by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
What facilities are included in Phase One of the construction project?
Phase One includes Sabercats Stadium along with Memorial Hermann Champions Field and houses one artificial turf field and five additional grass fields. The campus building spans 18,505 square feet and contains Athlete Training plus Health as well as a 7,000 square foot tenant suite for the Methodist Center for Sports Medicine.
When was Aveva Stadium completed and what is its capacity?
Aveva Stadium was designed specifically for the Houston SaberCats of Major League Rugby and was completed in April 2019. The stadium has a capacity for 4,000 spectators and transformed the complex into a home for both soccer and rugby operations within the same district.