Downtown Stadium – Fact Sheet - SportsEngine
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July 17, 2019 1 Downtown Stadium – Fact Sheet As part of the City for Champions (C4C) Initiative, two downtown multi-purpose sports venues (together named the Colorado Springs Sports and Events Center) are being planned and designed to host professional, Olympic and amateur sporting events as well as entertainment and cultural events. The two venues together, representing one component of the C4C initiative, are in close proximity to the U.S. Olympic Museum. The Downtown Stadium is the outdoor venue (new permanent home of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club), and Robson Arena at Colorado College (home of CC Tiger hockey) is the indoor venue. Both will include technological features coveted by competitive athletes, further solidifying the city’s vision for Olympic City USA and providing unique venues to host the growing momentum of a strong and vibrant tourism industry. The Downtown Stadium will be a mixed-use development featuring a rectangular field of play. The other C4C venues include the U.S. Olympic Museum, a new U.S. Air Force Academy Gateway Visitors Center and the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center on the campus of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Project Partners: The Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club (FC) and Weidner Apartment Homes have partnered on the Downtown Stadium project. The stadium will be constructed together with a mixed-use residential and commercial development. After a competitive bid process, the Stadium Partnership selected the team of GE Johnson Construction and Perkins & Will Architects to lead the design/build of the stadium. Schedule: Planning and Design: Through Fall 2019 Construction: Fall/Winter 2019 - Early 2021 Anticipated Opening: Spring 2021 Location: Located at the CityGate property, the Downtown Stadium site is bordered by Cimarron Street to the north, Moreno Avenue to the south, Sierra Madre Street to the west and Sahwatch Street to the east. The strategic downtown location allows for high visibility, access to amenities, and special experiences for participants and spectators. Much of the land is currently vacant and open for development following environmental work related to its long-term use as a steel and iron foundry since the beginning of 1900 until it closed in the early 2000’s. It is also in close proximity to several other sports-related facilities, specifically the new U.S. Olympic Museum, America the Beautiful Park, the administration building for several National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and the headquarters building for the U.S. Olympic Committee. Capacity: The stadium is anticipated to have 8,000 seats, expandable to 15,000 for concerts and other special events. The primary tenant for the facility is the Switchbacks FC. The United Soccer League (USL), of which the Switchbacks FC is a member, has stated that by 2020 all of its teams need to be playing in or developing facilities that seat 8,000 - 10,000 spectators in order to create a strong franchise. Colorado Springs is among the smaller markets in the Championship League. Olympic related events,
Transcript of Downtown Stadium – Fact Sheet - SportsEngine
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DowntownStadium–FactSheet AspartoftheCityforChampions(C4C)Initiative,twodowntownmulti-purposesportsvenues(togethernamedtheColoradoSpringsSportsandEventsCenter)arebeingplannedanddesignedtohostprofessional,Olympicandamateursportingeventsaswellasentertainmentandculturalevents.Thetwovenuestogether,representingonecomponentoftheC4Cinitiative,areincloseproximitytotheU.S.OlympicMuseum.TheDowntownStadiumistheoutdoorvenue(newpermanenthomeoftheColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFootballClub),andRobsonArenaatColoradoCollege(homeofCCTigerhockey)istheindoorvenue.Bothwillincludetechnologicalfeaturescovetedbycompetitiveathletes,furthersolidifyingthecity’svisionforOlympicCityUSAandprovidinguniquevenuestohostthegrowingmomentumofastrongandvibranttourismindustry.TheDowntownStadiumwillbeamixed-usedevelopmentfeaturingarectangularfieldofplay.TheotherC4CvenuesincludetheU.S.OlympicMuseum,anewU.S.AirForceAcademyGatewayVisitorsCenterandtheWilliamJ.HyblSportsMedicineandPerformanceCenteronthecampusoftheUniversityofColorado,ColoradoSprings.ProjectPartners:TheColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFootballClub(FC)andWeidnerApartmentHomeshavepartneredontheDowntownStadiumproject.Thestadiumwillbeconstructedtogetherwithamixed-useresidentialandcommercialdevelopment.Afteracompetitivebidprocess,theStadiumPartnershipselectedtheteamofGEJohnsonConstructionandPerkins&WillArchitectstoleadthedesign/buildofthestadium.Schedule:PlanningandDesign:ThroughFall2019Construction:Fall/Winter2019-Early2021AnticipatedOpening:Spring2021Location:LocatedattheCityGateproperty,theDowntownStadiumsiteisborderedbyCimarronStreettothenorth,MorenoAvenuetothesouth,SierraMadreStreettothewestandSahwatchStreettotheeast.Thestrategicdowntownlocationallowsforhighvisibility,accesstoamenities,andspecialexperiencesforparticipantsandspectators.Muchofthelandiscurrentlyvacantandopenfordevelopmentfollowingenvironmentalworkrelatedtoitslong-termuseasasteelandironfoundrysincethebeginningof1900untilitclosedintheearly2000’s.Itisalsoincloseproximitytoseveralothersports-relatedfacilities,specificallythenewU.S.OlympicMuseum,AmericatheBeautifulPark,theadministrationbuildingforseveralNationalGoverningBodies(NGBs),andtheheadquartersbuildingfortheU.S.OlympicCommittee. Capacity:Thestadiumisanticipatedtohave8,000seats,expandableto15,000forconcertsandotherspecialevents.TheprimarytenantforthefacilityistheSwitchbacksFC.TheUnitedSoccerLeague(USL),ofwhichtheSwitchbacksFCisamember,hasstatedthatby2020allofitsteamsneedtobeplayinginordevelopingfacilitiesthatseat8,000-10,000spectatorsinordertocreateastrongfranchise.ColoradoSpringsisamongthesmallermarketsintheChampionshipLeague.Olympicrelatedevents,
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tournaments,andcampswillcreateasynergybetweentheU.S.OlympicMuseum,outdoorstadium,indoorarena,andtheU.S.OlympicTrainingCenterthatwillsetColoradoSpringsapartnationallyasadestinationforamateursportingevents. StadiumDescription:
● Thestadiumiscomposedofthreedistinctelements:an85,000squarefootplayingfield/eventsurface,a3-story,multi-functionWestBuildingComplex,andanelevatedconcoursesurroundingtheplayingfield
● Itwillinclude:a240-seat,multi-usemeeting/banquetroom,a4,000squarefootrestaurantconcept,sportsperformanceandtrainingfacilities,andlookstobeananchorforfuturedevelopmentopportunities
● Totalinteriorsquarefootage:145,500● Syntheticturffieldwithcorkandcoconuthairasinfillforwatersavingsandtoreducesurfacetemperature● Projectsitefootprint:approximately4.46acres ● Westbuilding:Approximately48’tall● Northseatingbowlwallandnortheastbuilding:rangesfrom4’to16’aboveCimarronStreet.Acanopystructuremay
rangefrom12’-20’abovetheseatingbowlwall● Eastseatingbowlwall:4’aboveSahwatchStreet.Eastbuildingsareapproximately14’abovetheseatingbowlwall● SouthconcourseisflushwiththePlazathatnaturallyslopesfromSahwatchtoSierraMadrestreets FieldLevelBuilding:TheheartofthedevelopmentresidesinthefirstlevelbuildingsituatedalongSierraMadreStreet. This programareaincludescommissary,storage,loading,FieldClub,hometeamcomplex,visitorlockerrooms,administrativeoffices,andtenantorthopedic/fitnessandrestaurantspace. ConcourseLevel:Themainpubliclevelencompassesafullyelevatedconcoursebetween4and16feetaboveandsurroundingthefieldandseatingsections.Eachsideoftheconcoursehasadifferentelevationofferingadiverseexperiencewhilecirculatingthestadium.Programareasontheconcourseincluderestrooms,concessions,teamstore,seatingsections,andamenitydecks.Thesouthconcourseisongradewitha57-foot-widepedestrianplazathatliesbetweenthesouthsideofthestadiumandthenorthfaceofthenewWeidnerapartmentbuilding.Theplazawillcreateanactiveenvironmentaroundthestadiumandcanbeusedforpre-andpost-gameevents.SkyClubLevel: TheSkyClub(thetalleststructurealongSierraMadreStreet)featuresahigher-levelexperienceongamedaysandmultipleaccommodationsofrentablespacesonnon-gamedays.TheSkyClubprogramincludesflexiblehospitality/banquetspacewithacapacityfor240people,prepkitchen,storage,andrestrooms.Glazingontheeast,west,andnorthsidesofthestadiumofferviewstothefield,DowntownColoradoSprings,andtheColoradoRockyMountains.FoodandBeveragevenuesinthestadium:● CogCar-eventdaycateringplusdailyfood&beverageserviceopportunity● Restaurant-primelocationwithanoptionforarooftopbar● SkyClub-stadiumeventdaycateringandcateringforreservedspecialevents● FieldClub-stadiumeventdaycateringanddailyteamfoodserviceopportunity● Concessions-stadiumeventdayserviceatfourmainconcourselocationspluscartserviceopportunities● OtherGameDayFoodService–Suite/CabanaCatering,otherClubCatering,in-seatservice
Technology(Sound/Lighting/AV/Data):TheoutdoorstadiumwillhaveBest-In-Classlightinganddataaccessibility,highdefinitiondigitalvideoproduction,liveworld-widestreaminganddistributioncapabilities,nextgenerationreal-timetrainingandmatchfull-fieldvideodatataggingcapabilities.Thisleveloftechnologyistypicallyfoundonlyinnewfacilitiesandisdeemedcriticaltomaximizefanexperience.Itisalsocriticalbecausecoachesandtrainershighlydesirereal-timetrainingandfull-fieldvideocapturewithdatataggingcapabilities.SimultaneoustoC4C,theCityofColoradoSpringsispursuingaSmartCitystrategyundercontractwithPanasonic.Thetechnologyalsoincludes:
● Distributedsoundsystem,notasinglepointsourcesystem,allowingformoreefficientvolumecontrol● Positioningofspeakersdownwardandtowardthecenterofthefield● LEDsportslightingforreducedlightpollutionandreducedkwconsumption● ColoredRGBLEDup-lightsinkeylocationsareanticipatedtoprovideavisuallypleasingeveningexperience
StadiumAccess,TrafficandParking:ThemainentranceforthestadiumisatCimarronandSahwatchstreets.TwosecondaryentrancesareattheMorenoAvenueplaza.VIPentrancesarealongSierraMadreStreet.TheNewSouthEndofdowntownColoradoSpringshasbeengrowingandtransformingintoamorevibrantareaattractingmorebusinessesandvisitors.Thisvibrancyhasdriventheneedtounderstandnearandlong-termstrategiesforparkingandtrafficinandaroundthearea.TheStadiumPartnershipiscollaboratingwiththeDowntownPartnership,CityofColoradoSprings,andnumerousotherpublic
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andprivateorganizationsinathird-partystudytounderstandtheneedsofthebroaderdowntownareaaswellasthestadiumimpactonparking/traffic.TheconsultingfirmofFelsburgHolt&Ullevig(FHU)hasbeencontractedtoconductthestudy.FinancialStructure:InaccordancewiththeC4CBusinessPlan,theMinimumElementAllocationPercentage(MEAP)fortheColoradoSportsandEventsCenterProjectis23percentorapproximately$27.7millioninfuturedollarsintheformoftaxincrementfromtheStateofColorado.Intoday’sdollarsthestadium’sallocationisapproximately$13.5million.AmajorityoftheremainingfundingisprovidedbytheStadiumPartnership.Ametropolitandistrictisanticipatedtobeformedin2019.Otherspecialdistrictingopportunities,suchasaBusinessImprovementDistrict,arebeingexplored. Costofgametickets/TimesandDatesofPractices:TicketsforaSwitchbackssoccergameareanticipatedtostartat$15.DailyfieldusageforSwitchbackspracticesisfrom11a.m.to2p.m.Eveningprogrammingforothersportsteamsisalsoplanned.Restaurant,athletictraining,andspecialeventspaceswillbeprogrammedforafternoonsandevenings.Largeeventswillalmostexclusivelybeoneveningsandweekends.Events:TheSwitchbacksFChasapproximately22homematchesperseasonheldoverapproximatelyeightmonths,oranaverageof2.5matchespermonthinseason.Approximately80daysarereservedforothersportingeventsincludingNGBeventsandotherstargetedtoattractout-of-statevisitors.Thestadiumanticipateshostingothertypesofeventsintheremainingdays,especiallythosethatwilldrawnewvisitorstotheregion(perRegionalTourismActgoals).Thestadiumwillhavethepotentialforhostingconcertsaswellasdifferentfieldconfigurationsforsmalleroutdoorsportsincludingvolleyball,basketball,hockey,etc.
FORMORESTADIUMPROJECTINFORMATION
ToreceivenoticesofDowntownStadiumprojectupdates,sendanemailaskingtobeaddedtothedatabaseto:[email protected]:Website:https://www.switchbacksfc.com/downtownstadiumc4cSwitchbacksph:719-368-8480
DowntownStadium–FrequentlyAskedQuestions PURPOSEOFTHENEWSTADIUM WhatarethegoalsfortheColoradoSpringsNewSouthEndofDowntown?Inthenearandlong-term,theRagainandWeidnerPartnership(StadiumPartnership)goalsarefocusedondevelopingastadiumthatisaneconomicgeneratorwhileinspiringourlocalcommunity.Thestadiumwillbeanexperienced-baseddestination regularlyprogrammedtostimulatesportstourismandrepresent agatewaytoourcity.Thestadiumisexpectedtocontinueinspiring developmentinvestment,propertyvalues,andculturalgrowthintheNewSouthEndofdowntownColoradoSpringsasakeyentranceandculturalhubforwellintothefuture. TheDowntownStadiumwillbebuiltonwhathasbecomeknownastheCityGateproperty,alongthenewgatewayintodowntownColoradoSprings.WiththerecentreconfigurationandexpansionoftheInterstate25/U.S.24interchange,theentireimageofsouthdowntownColoradoSpringsisbeginningtransformation.IncludedinthattransformationwillbethefuturedecommissioningoftheMartinDrakePowerPlantandtheconstructionofhigh-density,mixed-usedevelopmentswithinthreeblockstothenorthofthestadium.WeidnerApartmentHomeswillbuildaminimumof250apartmentunits,withtheoptiontobuildupto500oreven1,000units.Inall,developmenttotalingmorethan$45millionisplannedduringthesametimeframeasthestadium,andanadditional$100millionispossiblewithadditionalland.Morethan$2billioninprivatedevelopmentisplannedinanareajusttothenorthofthestadiuminconjunctionwiththenewOlympicMuseum.Thestadiumreinforcesthecommunity’stransformationalmomentum.
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IsthestadiumanewideafordowntownColoradoSprings? ThepastthreedecadesrecordattemptstobringaprofessionalsportsstadiumtodowntownColoradoSpringsbutthecostofland,lackofanagreeablesportsfranchise,andlackofCityfundinghaveallbeenhindrancestothisidea.WiththeadventoftheStateRegionalTourismAct(RTA)in2012,ameanstoraiseimportantcapitaltobuildthisfacilityavaileditself.TheColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFCsoccerfranchisesignedontotheCityforChampionsprojectastheprimarytenantforthisplanneddowntownfacilityin2013tohelpsecuretheproject. Whyisanewstadiumneeded?Urbansportsvenueshavebeeninsomeformimportantanchorelementsinmanyofficialdowntowndevelopmentplansformorethan25years.TheCityforChampionsapplicationin2013proposedaColoradoSportsandEventsCenter,anoutdoorstadiumandcompetitionarena,withenthusiasticsupportfromtheUnitedStatesOlympicCommitteeandNationalGoverningBodiesCouncil.Thisbusinessplanupdatesthatvision,retainingthesportsvenueswhiledetermininglocationsfortheoutdoorstadiumandindoorarenaforevengreaterpotentialimpact.Furthermore,thecommitmentoftheCityofColoradoSpringsanditspartneringorganizationsremainsintact. Thisboldvision,madepossiblebytwostrongsponsoringorganizationsthatwillanchorthefacilities(ColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFCandColoradoCollege)willbuilduponthedynamicsynergiesofthestakeholdergroupsinthisbusinessplan,workingwithandamongthemtoachieveandsurpassthegoalsarticulatedintheoriginalCityforChampionsapplication.WhatwillhappentotheexistingWeidnerFieldoffPowersBoulevardoncethenewstadiumisbuilt?WeidnerFieldwasbuiltin1985byU.S.SoccerwhenitwaslocatedinColoradoSprings.Since1991WeidnerFieldhasbeenprogrammedbytheCityofColoradoSprings.In2014,theCityenteredintoaten-yearleaseagreementwiththeSwitchbacksFCtoprovidethenecessaryvenueimprovementstohostaprofessionalsoccerteam.WhentheSwitchbacksFCleaseends,thefieldwillcontinuetobeanimprovedcommunityasset.WhyaretheSwitchbacksimportanttoColoradoSprings?ProfessionalsportsandspecificallytheSwitchbacksstimulate culturalidentityandcitypride.Professionalsportsteamsandathletesinspireacity’syouthwhileconnectingbusinessandsocialcommunities.TheUSLChampionshipleague,ofwhichtheSwitchbacksFCisamember,providesaworldwide platformofmorethan8millionengagedfanstoviewandinteractwithColoradoSprings. WhyisthestadiumimportanttotheSwitchbacks?
● By2020,theUSLChampionshiphassetan8,000-10,000targetedstadiumsizeasarequirementtobeallowedtocompeteintheseconddivisionofprofessionalAmericansoccer.
● Theurbanenvironmentspeakstotheyoungviewingdemographicofprofessionalsoccer.● Torepresentthecitymorebroadlyandcapitalizeoneasyaccessforcitizensandvisitorsalike,thefranchiseneedstobe
positionedintheheartofdowntown.
EVENTSWhattypeandhowmanyactivities/eventsareplannedatthenewStadium?TheSwitchbacksFChasapproximately22homematchesperseasonheldoverapproximatelyeightmonthsoranaverageof2.5matchespermonth.Matchesarealmostexclusivelyonweekendnights.Approximately80daysarereservedforothersportingeventsincludingNGBeventsandothereventstargetedtoattractoutofstatevisitors.Theseeventsmayincludesportstournaments,trainingcamps,clubevents,Paralympicevents,youthsportscampsandevents,andwouldbeheldprimarilyinthespring,summer,andfallseasons.Theseothereventsareexpectedtogeneratenewout-of-statevisitorswhowilloftenstayovernightinlocalhotels,eatinlocalrestaurants,andpurchaseitemsinlocalretailstores,generatingsignificantsalestaxdollarsforthecommunity.Willtherebeconcertsatthenewstadiumandhowwillthesoundbemanaged?Weanticipateprogrammingsmallandlargeconcertsthatcelebratemusicandbringthecommunitytogether.Positionofspeakersforlargeeventstagingwillbefacingnorthtowardtheindustrialarea.Positionformid-sizestageeventswillbefacingwesttowardtheinterstate.AllconcertswillbesubjecttoCitynoiseordinance.Willtherebetie-inswiththeOlympics,OlympiceventsandNGBs,andanynationalandinternationaleventsatthestadium? Yes,theStadiumPartnershipplanstopartnerwithNGBstohostsomeofitsevents(suchasUSAjudo,boxing,volleyball,etc.)attheDowntownStadiuminconjunctionwiththeSportsAuthority.
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Actualeventsscheduledinanyyearmaydiffersubstantiallyfromthislist.Event # Estimated
AttendancePerCapacity Total WeekendEvents WeekDayEvents
LeagueMatches 17 6,000 8,000 102,000 16 1Non-LeagueMatches 5 3,000 8,000 15,000 2 3Concerts 4 10,000 15,000 40,000 4 NationalGoverningBody&Other 80 500 15,000 40,000 30 50FieldClub(non-gameday) 200 40 150 8,000 50 150SkyClub(non-gameday) 50 200 240 1,000 25 25RestaurantDays 365 150 150 54,750 Daily DailyCogCarDays(non-gameday) 180 50 200 9,000 SummerMonths SummerMonths*TotalAnnualAttendance 260,750
*Totalnumbercommunicatedinthechartabovedoesnotincludetotalcity-widespecialeventimpact.
STADIUMMANAGEMENT/SPORTSAUTHORITYWhowillmanagethestadium?Thestadiumisbeingcreated,programmedandoperatedbyaStadiumPartnershipbetweentheRagainFamilyandWeidnerApartmentHomes.TheSwitchbacksFC,aUSLfranchise,willbetheprimarytenantofthestadium,andSwitchbacksEntertainmentwilloperateandprogramthefacilitywithadditionalevents.SwitchbacksEntertainmentreceivesoversightfromanewlycommissionedSportsAuthorityandthewell-establishedColoradoEconomicDevelopmentCommission(EDC)tobuildandprogramthevenueasconceived.ThestadiumwilloperateunderthebusinessplanpreviouslysubmittedtotheState.TheSportsAuthoritywilloverseeconstructionandoperationofthesportsvenues,supporttheeventefforts,andcollaboratewiththeDowntownStadiumandRobsonArenaincompliancewithResolutionNo.3ofthebusinessplanforhostingpre-OlympicandamateursportingeventssuchasOlympicTimeTrials,Qualifiers,PlayoffsandWorldChampionshipeventstodrawnetnewout-of-statevisitorstoColorado.TheResolutionlaysoutdetailedrequirementsforfundingandreportingoftheCityforChampions(C4C)projects.TheSportsAuthorityincludesrepresentativesandappointeesofSwitchbacksFC,ColoradoCollege,ColoradoSpringsMayor,ColoradoSpringsCityCouncil,andElPasoCounty.
BENEFITSOFTHEDOWNTOWNSTADIUM Whataretheoverallbenefitstothecommunityofthestadium?Someofthebenefitsinclude:
● EconomicBenefits○ Jobgrowth/opportunities○ Adrawfortourists,recognizedasvitaltoourlocaleconomy,foranincreasedlengthoftripandincreased
dollarsinfusedintothelocaleconomy○ Adjacentpropertyvalueincrease○ Non-SwitchbackseventsgeneratingnewvisitorsfromoutsideColoradowhooftenstayovernightinlocalhotels,
eatinlocalrestaurants,andpurchaseitemsinlocalretailstores,generatingsignificantsalestaxdollarsforthecommunityandstrengtheninganddiversifyingtheeconomicbaseofthearea
● UniqueVenue/Events○ Technologythatallowsstreamingliveworld-wide.○ Venuesizesuniquetotheregioncurrentlynotavailableandthatdoesnotduplicateothervenueevent
opportunities○ Inspirationforyoungathletesthroughtrainingandshadowingopportunities○ AnopportunitytokeepNGBannualqualifiers,timetrials,andchampionshipsfromleavingtheareatohold
theireventselsewhere○ Multi-dimensionalcampswithpotentialtodevelopintotourismdrivers(sportscampsalignedwiththeOlympic
Movement,science,training,outdooradventure,orarts-related--themedaroundsportsandhealthylifestyles)● CityBrand:OlympicCityUSA
○ Opportunitytoexpandandsolidifytheareaasacenterforeliteanddevelopmentalsportscompetition,camps,training,demonstrationsandeducation;therebygreatlyenhancingthebrandofOlympicCityUSA
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● DowntownGateway/Location○ Dramaticallyimprovethenewgatewaytodowntownbringingmoreenergy,excitement,andbignamedevents○ Significantvisualsiteimprovementtowhathasbeenavacantlotforyearsinanindustrialpartoftown○ Strategiclocationclosetodowntownallowsforhighvisibility,accesstoamenitiesandspecialexperiencesfor
participantsandspectators○ Incloseproximitytoseveralothersports-relatedfacilities,specificallythenewU.S.OlympicMuseum,America
theBeautifulPark,theadministrationbuildingforseveralNGBs,andtheheadquartersbuildingfortheU.S.OlympicCommittee
○ Connectedtothemetropolitanareabyaseriesofgreenwaysand500acresoftrailsthatpromotenon-motorizedtraveltodowntown
PROJECTAPPROVALANDPUBLICINPUTPROCESSWhat’stheprocessforapprovalofthestadium?DoestheCityhavetoapprovetheplansanddesign?TheColoradoEconomicDevelopmentCommissionwillapprovethefinalColoradoSpringsSportsandEventsCenterprojectplanscollectively.DevelopmentplanapplicationwillbesubmittedtotheCityofColoradoSpringsforreviewandapproval:ConditionalUseDevelopmentPlan,MorenoAvenueVacation,partialSahwatchStreetvacation,andFinalPlat.CitizensandtheneighboringpropertyownerswillhaveanopportunitytoprovidecommentsontheapplicationspriortotheCity’sfinalaction.Howwillpublicinputbeincorporatedintothestadiumdesignandplans?TheDowntownStadiumhasestablisheddesignrequirementstosupporttheapprovedCityforChampionsResolutionNO3stadiumfacility.TheStadiumPartnership,DesignTeam,ConstructionTeam,andCityofColoradoSpringsareseekingcommunityinputondesignandexperienceelementsofthestadium.Thepublicparticipationprocesshasbeeninitiatedtoassurecommunityinputandfeedbackontopicssuchasparkingandtrafficmanagement,fanexperience,shuttleandride-shareservices,buildingdesignandaesthetics,andotherimportantaspectsofthestadium’simplementation.HowpublicinputgetsincorporatedintothefacilitywillbecommunicatedandpostedontheDowntownStadiumwebpageoftheSwitchbackswebsite.https://www.switchbacksfc.com/downtownstadiumc4c
NEIGHBORHOOD/BUSINESSIMPACTSHowisthestadiumprojectteamcollaboratingwiththeadjacentneighborhood?ThenewstadiumwillbuildonthegatewaytodowntownColoradoSpringsestablishedwiththenewI-25/U.S.24&CimarronStreetInterchangewhilerespectingtheadjacentandhistoricneighborhood.Akeycomponentofthedesignandplanningprocessforthestadiumincludesengagingthesurroundingneighborhoodandthebroadercommunityinmeaningfuldialogueabouttheproject.Wehavebeenmeetingwithrepresentativesoftheneighborhoodandplantocontinuetodoso.Wealsoanticipatehearingfromandlisteningtomanyothervoicesduringtheplanningprocess.Whataretheimpactsofthenewstadiumforexistinglocalbusinessesandresidents?Consistentwithnumerousexistingcityplans(ExperienceDowntownMasterPlan,UrbanLandInstitutePanelReport,PlanCOS,MillStreetNeighborhoodPlan,CityGateUrbanRenewal,C4Cplan,DowntownForm-BasedZone/Code),thestadiumprovidesopportunitiesforcontinuedretailusesalongSierraMadreandCimarronstreets.Thestadiumprovidesbusinesseswiththepotentialforincreasedvisibilityandpatronageasitaddsincreasedvaluetotheoverallgame-dayexperience.Thestadiumisanticipatedtoaddvaluetothesurroundingneighborhoods,localbusinessesanddowntown,therebysupportingoverallpropertyvalues. SEASONTICKETHOLDERSHowmanyseasonticketholdersaretherefortheSwitchbacks?Currentlythereareapproximately1,200seasonticketholders.Withthenewbest-in-classstadiumvenue,weanticipatethatnumbertosignificantlygrow.Thegoalistohave5,000SwitchbacksFCseasonticketholders.Willthepriceofseasonticketssignificantlyincreasewiththenewstadium?Priceshavenotbeendeterminedbutwedonotexpectsignificantincreases.PriceswillbeonparwithUSLchampionshipsoccer.
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TRAFFIC/PARKING
Howwilltrafficandparkingbemanagedoneventdays?Amultifacetedapproachforeventaccessisbeingexploredincluding:transitoptionssuchasdowntownshuttlesandcirculatingshuttlesconnectingthestadiumtothedowntowncore;parkingatvarioussurfacelots,downtowngaragesandclose-instreetparking;safeaccessbybikeandbikeshare,withbikeparkingoptions;ridehailingservicessuchasZ-Trip,UberandLyftwithsafedrop-offzones;safeandwell-litpedestrianpathways;etc.Off-dutypoliceofficerswillalsoassistwithtrafficmanagementforlargerevents,astheycurrentlydowithotherlargecommunityevents.
Isadowntownshuttleprogrambeingconsidered?AshuttleprogramisoneofmanyalternativesbeinganalyzedbytheCityandpartnerstomovepeoplebetweenthestadium,downtownparkinggaragesandprivatelyownedparkinglots.TheCityofColoradoSprings,MountainMetroTransit,DowntownPartnership,ColoradoCollege,ColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFCandotherorganizationsareintheprocessofexploringpublic/privatepartnershipsforre-establishingadowntownshuttleservicethatcouldexpandoneventsandothernewvenues,toincludethestadium.Adowntownshuttlerouteexistedpriorto2008andwasoneofthemostpopularroutesintheregionatthattime.Optionsarealsobeinginvestigatedfordesignateddrop-off/pick-upridesharingservices,andincentivestousethem.
Havetherebeentraffic/parkingstudiesconductedforthestadiumlocation?Whataretheresults?Atraffic/parkingstudyisunderwaybytheconsultingfirmofFHUencompassingthebroaderdowntownareaaswellasimpactsrelatedtotheDowntownStadium.ResultsofthestudywillbeincludedintheapplicationthatwillbesubmittedtotheCityandavailableforpublicview;anticipatedtobeinAugust.
StadiumParkingDemandandUseTypes:• 3eventtypes:
o 22soccergameswithattendancerangingfrom5000-8000peopleo Upto4specialeventso Generaldailyandsmalleventuse(e.g.receptions,weddings)with100-200attendees
ParkingAnalysisAssumptions:• Soldoutsoccer-eventcondition• 85percentofattendeeswillarriveviaprivateautomobile• 2.9people/vehicleautooccupancybasedonresearchconductedatotherColoradosportingeventvenues• AparkingsurveyisinformingbaselineparkingdemandonatypicalSaturdayeveningintheareasurroundingthestadium
Parkinganalysispreliminaryfindings:There is enoughavailableparkingcapacitytomeetstadium-relateddemand• Asold-outsoccergamewillgeneratedemandfor2350parkingspaces• Approximately15percentwillusealternativemodesoftransportationtogettothegame(e.g.walkoruserideshare)• Thereareapproximately750-900availablespaceswithina5-minutewalkshed• Thereareapproximately1850–2300availablespaceswithina10-minutewalkshed(withoutcrossingtherailroad)• Includingprivatelotsandavailablespacesintemporarylotscouldaddanother200-600spaceswithinthe10-minute
walkshed• Privatelyoperatedpubliclotsjustoutsidethe10-minutewalkshedcouldaccommodated1000-1150additionalspaces• AddingCitygaragesbeyondthe10-minutewalkshedcouldprovideapproximately1000-2000additionalspaces• Leveragingavailableparkingsupplybeyondthe10-minutewalkshedwouldlikelyrequireashuttlesystemtotransport
attendeestothestadium
Note:"available spaces" does not represent total parking space capacity but rather a percentage of total capacity.
Whattypesofparkingmanagementstrategieshavebeenidentified?Adispersedparkingstrategystudyforthestadiumwouldberequiredtoeffectivelyuseexistingparkinglotssurroundingthesiteanddowntown.Otherlonger-termcommunity-wideparkingstrategies(downtowncentric)includepromotingalternativetransportationmodes(ridesharesuchasZ-Trip/Uber/Lyft),shuttles,bicycles,pedestrians,parkingmetermanagement(installingmetersaroundthestadium)andresidentialparkingpermitprograms.Implementationofstrategiesdealingwithpublicrights-of-wayareledbytheCity.
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HowwilltheStadiumPartnershipmanageparkingrelatedtotheSwitchbacks?Whoenforcestheprogram?Theprojectteam,workingincollaborationwiththeDowntownPartnershipandthemanybusinessessurroundingthestadium,willcollaboratewiththeCityofColoradoSprings,whichmanagesparkingonbehalfofourcity.
WillMorenoAvenuebeclosedaspartofthestadiumproject?Yes.TheproposedprojectincludesvacatingMorenoAvenueintheblockbetweenSahwatchandSierraMadrestreetstoprovideanopportunityforapedestrianplazawithenhancedpedestriancirculationandaccesstothestadium.
Howwillthesurgeoftraffic(vehicularandpedestrian)behandledwhensoccergamesend?Trafficsurgesareprimarilycreatedwhenthereisonelargeparkinglocationfromwhicheveryoneleavesatthesametimefromthesamelocation.Thestadiumprojectplanstostrategicallydisperseparking.Thebenefitofdispersedparkingisthatitspreadsoutthetimesandnumbersofvehiclesleavingthestadium;therebyminimizingtrafficimpacts.Theprojectwillalsoidentifyappropriatetrafficcontrolsforexitingthestadiumaftertheoccasionallargeevent.Thesecouldincludeuseofoff-dutypoliceofficerstodirecttraffic,stoppingtrafficatpedestriancrossings,asignalreleaseswitchsystemtorelievetrafficatsignalizedintersections,restrictionsofvehiclesturningintoexitinglanesoftraffic,turninginboundlanesintooutboundlanes,etc.Thesearealloptionsthatwillbeexploredfurther.Afull-movementtrafficsignalexistsatSierraMadreandCimarronstreets.Anotherfull-movementtrafficsignalisplannedforSahwatchandCimarronstreets.TheprojectwillrequesttheCitytoinstallramps.
BUILDINGANDSITESPECIFICS
Whatwillthebuildingcolorbeandwhatbuildingmaterialswillbeused?Theexteriorofthestadiumwillbeafacadecombinationofbrick,metalpanel,exposedconcreteandfabric.Buildingcolorsareanticipatedtobeprimarilygrey,black,andblue.ThiswillbeenhancedbyanimpactfulsignagepackagethroughoutboththeinteriorandexteriorofthestadiumthatwillprojectanarchitecturaltietothehistoriclegacyofthesouthdowntownareawhileprojectingthemodernevolutionofbothdowntownColoradoSpringsandthereemergenceofsoccerasamoderninternationalsport.ThestadiumwilluseLEDSportsLightingtoreducelightpollutionandenergyconsumption.Adistributedsoundsystemwillreducenoisepollution.Asyntheticfieldturfwithcorkandcoconuthairasinfillwillsaveonwaterconsumptionandwillreducesurfacetemperature.
WilltherebeotherretailbuiltinadditiontotheStadiumeitherbythePartnershiporbyprivatedevelopers?TheDowntownStadiumprovidesanopportunityforarestaurant,specialeventsspace,andathletictrainingretailoutlets.
Whataretheplansforstreetlightsandpedestrianfacilitiessurroundingthestadium?Itisanticipatedthatpedestrianimprovementswillbemadesuchaspedestrianlighting,newsidewalks,newpedestrianrampsontheblock,andanopportunitytobringpedestrianfacilitiesuptostandardinpartnershipwiththeCity.Lightingalongthestadiumblockwillbeimprovedwithanemphasisonpedestriansafety.ThestadiumplanningprocesswillalsoconsideranyimprovementstheCitymaybeplanningtodetermineif/whereadditionallightingisneeded.
Willtherebeaccommodationforbikesandbikestorageduringtheevents?Specificshavenotyetbeendetermined;however,itisanticipatedthatbicycleparkingwillbeaccommodatedduringevents.Thiswillbediscussedfurtherduringthepublicinputanddesignprocess.
Howwillemergencyservicesbehandledduringastadium event?TheStadiumPartnershipwillhaveon-goingmeetingswithlocallawenforcementandemergencymanagementserviceprovidersthroughthedesignandplanningprocesstoassureaplanisinplaceforhandlingemergencysituationsandappropriateaccessforemergencyvehicles.
CITYFORCHAMPIONS(C4C)
WhatistheCityforChampions(C4C)initiativeandhowdoesthestadiumfitintoitsplans?TheDowntownStadiumwillbebuiltaspartoftheC4Csuiteofprojectsintendedtoboosttheregion’sannualtourismindustry,increaseretailsalesandsalestaxrevenues,enablelocalNGBstohostpre-OlympicandWorldChampionshipeventslocally,andimpactthePikesPeakregion’sattractions,thusstrengtheningitscore.Equallyimportant,theDowntownStadiumandtheotherC4Cprojectswillbringnewhigh-qualityjobs,includingmuch-neededjobsforcollegestudents,tothearea.
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WhatistheHistoricalContextandDowntownStadiumrelationshiptoCityforChampions(C4C)?BasedonColoradoSpringsbackgroundofOlympic,collegiate,andprofessionalsportsandthecommitmenttheCityofColoradoSpringshasmadetotheU.S.OlympicCommittee,theCitybeganplanningseveraltourismelementstohelpelevatethecity’sbrandwhilebringingnewtouriststothecommunity.Colorado’sRegionalTourismAct(RTA)facilitatedafundingmechanismfortheeffort,andonDecember16,2013theColoradoEconomicDevelopmentCommissionapprovedfourProjectElementsbasedupontheCity’sapplication,knownastheCityforChampions(C4C),undertheRTA.TheestimatedStateSalesTaxIncrementFinancing(SSTIF)benefittoourcommunityforthefourprojectswas$120.5million.OneofthefourProjectElementswastheColoradoSportsandEventsCenter,withadesignatedSSTIFallocationof$27.7milliontohostbothoutdoorstadiumandindoorarenasportingeventsattractinganestimated118,000(betweentheoutdoorandindoorvenues)netnewout-of-statevisitorstoColoradoannually.
SinceDecember16,,2013,theCityhasmovedforwardinevaluatingandplanningtheColoradoSportsandEventsCenter.ThepromiseofhavingsuchafacilityhasattractedtheTier2UnitedSoccerLeagueColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFCtothecommunity.TheSwitchbacksFCbeganleagueplayinOctober2014inaremodeledSandCreekStadiuminnortheasternColoradoSprings,anticipatingamoveintoadowntownstadiumaspartoftheC4CColoradoSportsandEventsCenter.TheRagainFamily(RagainSports)hasmaturedthisprofessionalteamwithanever-growingfanbaseasadirectresultoftheCityforChampionsvision.Withitsgrowingpopularity,theSwitchbacksFCannouncedanewaffiliationagreementwiththeColoradoRapidsofMajorLeagueSoccer(MLS)inOctober2018.
SincetheC4Capplicationwasapprovedin2013,thetransformationofColoradoSpringshasbeensignificant.BrandedbyColoradoSprings’MayorJohnSuthersin2016andnowknownasOlympicCityUSA,ColoradoSpringsistheheartofthenation’sOlympicMovement.Thecityisuniversallytoutedastheepicenterofanextensivesportsindustry.
RESOLUTIONNO.3
WhatisResolutionNo.3oftheCityforChampionsBusinessPlan?ResolutionNo.3laysoutdetailedrequirementsforfundingandreportingoftheCityforChampions(C4C)initiative,whichincludestheColoradoSportsandEventsCenter.ThisplanmostspecificallyaddressesSection5HofResolution3whichreads:
BeforeanyDedicatedRevenuemaybeusedtopayfortheEligibleCostsoftheColoradoSportsandEventsCenter,andbeforeanyBondsmaybeissuedorincurredtofinancethisProjectElement,theProjectElementSponsormustdevelopabusinessplanthatincludeshostingpre-Olympicandamateursportingevents,suchasOlympicTimeTrials,Qualifiers,andamateursportingeventsthatwilldrawnetnewoutofstatevisitorstoColorado,orothereventsandmeetingsassociatedwithNationalGoverningBodies,includingeventsthathavenotbeenhostedinColoradoduringthelastfive(5)years.TheApplicantorProjectElementSponsormustprovidedocumentsrequiredbythisSubsection(H)totheCommissionforreviewandexpressapproval.Suchapprovalshallnotbeunreasonablywithheld.
STADIUMPARTNERSHIPANDPROJECTTEAM
ColoradoSpringsSwitchbacksFootballClub(FC):TheSwitchbacksFCisaprofessionalsoccerteambasedinColoradoSprings,Colorado.TheteamisamemberoftheUnitedSoccerLeague,thesecondtieroftheAmericansoccerpyramidandoneofthemostsuccessfulprofessionalsoccerleaguesintheworldreachingapopulationofmorethan84millionpeopleacrossNorthAmerica.TheSwitchbacksFCbeganplayin2015atWeidnerFieldwhereitinvested$3.5milliontoimproveaCity-ownedfacility.InOctober2018,theSwitchbacksFCannouncedanewaffiliationwiththeColoradoRapidsofMajorLeagueSoccer(MLS)whichcreatedasignificantplatformforthegrowthofsoccerinthestateofColorado.ThefranchiseisownedbytheRagainFamilyandleadbyEdRagain,theformerownerofaColorado-basedinternationalengineeringfirm.AllmatchesarebroadcastonESPN+andhomematchesareavailablelocallyontheCW&FOX.Formoreinformation:www.SwitchbacksFC.com
WeidnerApartmentHomes:Foundedin1977,WeidnerApartmentHomeshasbeenapartoftheColoradoSpringsbusinesscommunitysince1993.ThepersonalrootsoffounderDeanWeidnergobackmuchfurtherhavinggrownupintheSpringsandamemberofthefirstgraduatingclassofWassonHighSchool.Weidnerisaprivatelyheldrealestateinvestment,developmentandmanagementcompanythatowesitssuccesstoitsmostimportantresource–themorethan1,400associatesthatmakeuptheironsiteandregionalteams.Thecompanyisranked#14ontheNMHClistofthe50largestApartmentOwnersintheUnitedStates,andasofJune2019,ownsandself-managesaportfolioconsistingof273multi-familycommunitiesrepresentingjustover55,000apartmenthomesthroughouttwelvestatesintheU.S.,andfourprovincesofCanada.HeadquarteredinKirkland,WA,Weidner’s
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commitmenttodeliveringvaluedrivesitsvisiontodistinguishitselfasanindustryleaderineachofthemarketswheretheyareactive.
WeidnerhasbeenrecognizedbytheWashingtonMultiFamilyHousingAssociationforitsphilanthropicworkthroughoutthestateofWashington.Specifically,a2017EmeraldAwardwasgiventothefirmforthedevelopmentoftheirWeidnerCares!programthatpartnerswithlocalnon-profitsbringingskilledvolunteerstohelpwithrehabandrenovationprojectsattheirfacilities.AlthoughtheawardwasfortheireffortsinthestateofWashington,theWeidnerCares!programisactivethroughoutthecompanyandresultedin24suchprojectscompletedin2018.
OneofthecorebeliefsheldbyDeanWeidner,founderandpresidentofWeidnerApartmentHomes,isthataneducatedworkforceisvitaltothesuccessoftheindustry.Astheneedforskilledworkershasbecomemoreurgentinthelastdecade,Weidnerhasrecognizedtheimportanceofsupportingpost-secondaryprogramsdedicatedtotheeducationanddevelopmentofthenextwaveofprofessionalscomingintotheindustry.Asapassionateadvocateofrecruitingnewtalenttoenterintothepropertymanagementworld,Mr.WeidnerhasprovidedsignificantfinancialsupporttothreeseparateuniversitiesintheUnitedStates,andoneinCanadainordertohelpdevelopResidentialPropertyManagementundergraduatedegreeprogramofferings.Inrecognitionofthissignificantinvestment,WeidnerreceivedanExcellenceawardbytheNationalApartmentAssociationin2018.Weidnersupportsmanydifferentnon-profitsonanannualbasisincludingtheBoysandGirlsClub,theUnitedWay,andCovenantHouse.Formoreinformation:www.weidner.com
N.E.S.,Inc.:TheStadiumPartnershiphasengagedN.E.S.,Inc.toleadtheplanningprocessforthestadium,joinedbyalocalmulti-disciplinaryteamofarchitects,planners,civilandtrafficengineers,publicengagementfacilitators,andlandscapearchitectstoassistintheplanninganddesignprocess.
