The city of Round Rock is making moves to become a bigger player in the lucrative sports tourism industry, starting with the expansion of the Round Rock Sports Center. The project, which kicked off construction this week, aims to enlarge the existing facility by adding two additional courts, creating a commodious space that will allow for a diversified array of events. With a competitive completion target set for early 2026, the development plans to usher in a facility capable of hosting larger tournaments and other sporting functions.
Currently occupying 82,800 square feet with six basketball courts that double as 12 volleyball courts, the enhancement project will bring that total to eight courts, officials detailed in a statement, obtained by KXAN News. Furthermore, the city told KVUE that the designs include a separate entrance, as well as a floorplan that can accommodate "a 16-court volleyball tournament, or separated to hold a six-court basketball tournament and a cheer competition simultaneously."
Amid the enhancement works, the Sports Center will not close its doors to the public. Rather, it pledges to remain fully operational, ensuring that locals and visitors alike can continue participating in sports and fitness activities. Detailed coordination is planned to minimize disruptions, as stated in recent releases, and although short-term unavailability of specific courts and facilities might occur, these will purportedly be scheduled not to clash with existing reservations or events.
Chad McKenzie, director of Sports Management and Tourism for the city of Round Rock, emphasized the significance of the expansion for the region's economy. "Sports Tourism in Round Rock has brought more than $162 million in economic activity to the city since the opening of the Sports Center," McKenzie told KXAN News. It's this fiscal success story they hope to continue, with ample investments to maintain their competitive stature in a rapidly expanding industry.
For those concerned about the usual logistical headaches associated with construction projects, fear not. Some phases of the work promise to modify, but not suspend parking availability in the south lot. The main east lot, however, will remain unaffected. This phase of Round Rock's expansion is part of a larger, voter-approved bond package from 2023 valued at $274 million, encompassing enhancements to parks, recreation, sports, and public safety facilities.
