AURORA | The long-anticipated upgrades to the Aurora Sports Park are close to being completed, but they will likely be open in the spring of 2016, according to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department. Initially PROS anticipated an opening date in October of this year for the new features.
“We’re working through construction still, but there’s still work lingering, and the rain has set us back a bit,” said Sherri-Jo Stowell, a marketing specialist for the department. “Right now, we’re looking at play beginning in the spring.”
Upgrades to the sports park include four new multi-purpose fields made with synthetic grass. The fields will also be lighted so they can be used for nighttime games, and will be the first of their kind in the city.
“We have lit softball and baseball fields but nothing like that for a multi-use facility,” said Stowell.
The 17-acre expansion is part of the city’s plan to make the park a year-round destination that can accommodate larger tournaments. Right now, the park’s season typically runs April through October with only natural grass fields.
The 250-acre site, located at 19300 E. Colfax Ave., has 12 baseball and softball fields and 23 multi-use fields that host football, rugby and lacrosse games. Those fields are made of natural grass, and they’re used by the city’s youth and adult sports leagues as well as by national tournament leagues.
The 34 acres of land the city acquired to create the fields cost $4 million. Another $7 million was used to construct and install the synthetic turf. The project also will include 350 new parking spaces, another concession stand and additional restrooms.
Upgrades to the sports park include four new multi-purpose fields made with synthetic grass. The fields will also be lighted so they can be used for nighttime games, and will be the first of their kind in the city.
Stowell said Parks is also looking into ways to incorporate Ultimate on the grass turf fields.
According to the Parks department, the sports park has more than 410,000 annual visitors and hosts 35 events a year.
“Aurora Sports Park is by far the largest draw for people staying at hotels in the city,” said Visit Aurora President Gary Wheat.
He said Visit Aurora will be courting local organizations that include the Colorado Fireworks tournament about hosting tournaments during what would normally be considered the off-season.
Wheat estimates the Colorado Fireworks tournament — the largest of many events the city plays host to during the summer months — pumps around $10 million into Aurora’s economy during its week-long stay, a total that includes hotel stays, food, gas and other retail estimates.