CUMBERLAND — Plans for a study to determine whether the city should build an indoor sports complex are set to be finalized in the coming weeks.
The study will evaluate areas that include market demand and economic impact associated with development of a multi-purpose indoor sports complex that would host regional and national sports events.
The analysis aims to help community leaders determine project viability and type of facility that would best serve the region.
Of nine proposals to conduct the study, city officials chose Eastern Sports Management in partnership with Pinnacle Indoor Sports, Cumberland Economic Development Corp. Executive Director/President Matt Miller said Tuesday.
“This team brings a unique combination of feasibility analysis, sports tourism expertise, facility operations experience and real-world knowledge of indoor athletic complexes,” Miller said.
Additionally, the selected proposal aligned with goals established by CEDC and the city, he said.
Funding for the study came from a $63,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission with matching funds committed by the city.
A steering committee, which includes Allegany County Director of Tourism Ashli Workman, Allegany College of Maryland President David Jones, and athletic directors from Fort Hill and Allegany high schools, “will help guide the process and provide local insight,” Miller said.
The study is expected to take four to six months to complete, he said.
Miller also spoke of a $25,000 grant the CEDC got from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Ready Nonprofit program.
The money will buy a two-year software subscription that will provide access to areas including marketing analytics that can be used to support economic development and business recruitment, he said.
Through the platform, the CEDC will be able to analyze areas such as visitor patterns and competitor performance, Miller said.
“The software will be utilized to support a variety of initiatives including retail recruitment, downtown revitalization efforts, commercial corridor planning and business retention and expansion activities,” he said. “We believe the investment will enhance our ability to make data-driven decisions and improve our competitiveness when pursuing new economic development opportunities.”