Seminole County Commissioners Approve Next Step for Proposed Indoor Sports Complex

The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward with the next phase of planning and development for a proposed regional indoor sports complex near the Boombah Sports Complex and Orlando Sanford International Airport.

The action authorizes County staff to proceed with soliciting architectural, engineering, and construction management services for the project, while also continuing discussions related to potential land acquisitions surrounding the proposed site.

Designed as a multi-purpose regional destination, the proposed facility would support basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheer and dance competitions, graduations, banquets, and other large community events. Current conceptual plans include up to 12 basketball courts, 22 volleyball courts, championship seating, flexible event space, and a 25-court beach volleyball complex.

County leaders emphasized the project’s potential to strengthen Seminole County’s sports tourism industry while also creating a venue that can serve local families, schools, and community organizations.

“This project represents a significant opportunity for Seminole County, but the Board also understands the importance of balancing vision with financial responsibility,” said Chairman Andria Herr of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. “Our goal is to rightsize this investment in a way that creates a strong return for taxpayers, supports our local tourism economy, and provides a flexible community asset that can serve residents for decades to come.”

The Board approved the formation of the Tourism Improvement District in 2025 as a public-private partnership in which local hotel operators voluntarily approved a self-assessment on hotel rooms to support initiatives aimed at strengthening sports tourism and increasing overnight visitation in Seminole County.

According to updated economic projections presented to the Board, the facility is projected to generate approximately $2.4 billion in total net economic benefit, including direct visitor spending at hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and local transportation providers. The analysis further estimates:

• More than 322,000 annual indoor event attendees
• Approximately 42,000 annual hotel room nights
• An estimated 562 new jobs tied to the project’s economic activity

Based on the projections presented Tuesday, the overall project is estimated to return approximately $14 in economic benefit for every $1 invested, with the County’s direct investment projected to generate approximately $22 in return for every $1 invested when tourism-related funding is excluded.

Commissioners also noted the project’s flexibility and potential long-term community value, including the ability to host graduations, community gatherings, and emergency sheltering operations following hurricane events.

No final construction approval was taken Tuesday. Additional design work, procurement activities, land discussions, and future Board approvals will occur before construction could begin.