Case Studies
Other communities have invested in similar projects. See what economic and community improvement impacts these projects have had!
Southwest Stadium — El Paso, Texas (2019)
- What they built: Downtown AA baseball stadium for the Sod Poodles (Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate).
- Outcomes: Generated ~$25M in new annual visitor spending; consistently top-10 MiLB attendance; spurred hotels, restaurants, and retail development downtown.
- Lesson for Medford: A modern stadium can serve as an anchor for downtown revitalization and business growth.
Hodgetown Stadium — Amarillo, Texas (2019)
- What they built: Downtown AA baseball stadium for the Sod Poodles (Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate).
- Outcomes: Generated ~$25M in new annual visitor spending; consistently top-10 MiLB attendance; spurred hotels, restaurants, and retail development downtown.
- Lesson for Medford: A modern stadium can serve as an anchor for downtown revitalization and business growth.
Rogue X (Medford, OR)
What They Built: The Rogue X Project is the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, a 140,000-square-foot aquatics and events center in Medford, Oregon, which officially opened in January 2024. Owned and managed by the City of Medford, the $76 million facility provides a variety of athletic, recreational, and event spaces for the community.
Outcomes: The Rogue X project in Medford, Oregon, has been a major success since its January 2024. Key indicators include:
- Economic Impact: Rogue X contributed approximately $6.7 million to the local economy in its first year, with a combined total impact with Lithia & Driveway Fields surpassing $20 million.
- Visitor and Event Numbers: The facility welcomed over 106,000 visitors to its aquatics center and hosted 43 major events with more than 40,000 swim and sports visits reported in just four months.
- Revenue Performance: By May 2024, Rogue X had already achieved 63% of its annual revenue goal, ahead of schedule.
- Regional Attraction: The complex has drawn events to Medford that were previously held elsewhere, enhancing its reputation as a sports tourism destination.
Atrium Health Ballpark — Kannapolis, North Carolina (2020)
- What they built: Stadium for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Chicago White Sox Single-A affiliate) with playgrounds, splash pads, and meeting spaces.
- Outcomes: Transformed downtown Kannapolis, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually; credited with sparking $100M+ in redevelopment.
- Lesson for Medford: Family-focused amenities (splash pads, playgrounds, event rooms) can turn a stadium into a true community gathering place.
Toyota Field — Madison, Alabama (2020)
- What they built: Stadium for the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Los Angeles Angels AA affiliate), with meeting lounges and family attractions.
- Outcomes: Helped spark significant commercial development around the stadium; became a centerpiece for family entertainment and business events.
- Lesson for Medford: Pairing a stadium with flexible event and meeting spaces ensures economic use beyond baseball.
JetBlue Park — Fort Myers, Florida (2012)
- What they built: Spring training home for the Boston Red Sox, with conference/meeting spaces and fan plazas.
- Outcomes: Attracted 115,000+ visitors annually for spring training; spurred hotel stays and restaurant growth; became a year-round event venue.
- Lesson for Medford: Combining sports with hospitality and event spaces increases year-round economic activity.
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