A possible $40 million indoor multi-sport complex is being proposed for San Angelo.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Ahlenius and Synergy Sports CEO Jason Boudrie will make a formal presentation and lead a discussion concerning a feasibility study for a sports complex they feel fills a need in San Angelo.
In March 2025, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce engaged Synergy Sports to assess a new multi-sport complex focused on expanding community recreation access while driving new visitor spending through tournaments and events.
Results of the completed study will be presented at the meeting, including a market summary, demographic and socioeconomic analysis, sports participation and competitive landscape research, site viability review and operational partnership recommendations.
Proponents argue that cash flow will be positive from the very beginning, through a $40 million investment. Over a 10-year period, the average net income is expected to be nearly $520,000 per year.
Presenters will offer several funding models that were considered in the study, including:
- A Public-Private Partnership wherer the private partners fund, build, and operate the project, and the city contributes land, infrastructure, or incentives, along with an annual subsidy to cover early losses, in exchange for community-use rights.
- The Master Lease involving the City (or its partners) funding development through a private partner, who then leases it to an expert operator. The operator assumes revenue and maintenance risks in exchange for regular lease payments.
- Developer-Funded Projects with Incentives, where a private developer constructs the complex—often alongside hotel and retail spaces—backed by municipal tax incentives and a financial backstop.
- Traditional public debt such as bonds; least favored here given cost, competing needs, and the public-approval politics of sports facilities.
- Municipal funding.
Synergy’s recommendation at the meeting will be to pursue a P3 or Public Private Partnersnip with a Municipal leaseback / backstop.
Coliseum Work
Also at the meeting, costly renovations to the San Angelo Coliseum will likely get underway, as the council considers awarding a $47 million contract to Hoar Construction, Inc.
The project will expand the facility by adding grandstand seats, a new suite and club level, improving accessibility, expanding restrooms, enhancing food service areas, and updating the exterior of the building.
San Angelo voters approved a $41.66 million general obligation bond on May 3, 2025, to renovate the city-owned Coliseum and fairgrounds. The renovations will directly benefit the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association which leases the facility to host the annual stock show and rodeo.
The city plans to fund and construct the project using the approved bond proceeds and SASSRA funding per 380 Agreement. The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association will take over operation, maintenance, and management of the coliseum upon completion of the project.
The meeting will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the McNease Convention Center’s South Meeting Room, 501 Rio Concho Drive.
