Project Status & Latest Updates

What we learned:
Travel Lane County completed an exploratory analysis with The Sports Facilities Companies to evaluate whether an indoor multiuse sports facility concept is sufficiently defined to warrant decision-grade feasibility. The report summarizes findings related to facility requirements, demand characteristics, comparable facilities in other communities and the limitations of exploratory analysis.

Why this matters:
The exploratory report documents what has been learned to date and explains why additional, site-specific and decision-grade analysis would be required before any public decisions could be considered.

What happens next:
The findings were shared with Lane County as part of the January 27, 2026 Board of County Commissioners work session. The report is provided here for transparency and public reference.

Download exploratory findings report (PDF)

This report reflects exploratory analysis only and does not recommend a site, funding approach or project outcome. Decision-grade feasibility and any future public decisions would require additional, site-specific analysis and formal authorization.

What we discussed:

On January 27, 2026, the Lane County Board of Commissioners held a work session with Travel Lane County staff to review exploratory findings related to a potential indoor multiuse sports facility and to discuss possible next steps in the predevelopment process.

The discussion focused on what has been learned during the exploratory phase, the distinction between exploratory analysis and decision-grade feasibility and what additional information would be required to support future public decisions. Commissioners discussed the need for site-specific evaluation, verified cost estimates, operational modeling and integrated analysis of ownership, operations, site and funding scenarios.

As part of that conversation, Travel Lane County staff discussed a not-to-exceed cost of up to $450,000 for decision-grade feasibility work. This work would consist of professional and technical analysis only, including site-specific evaluation, construction cost verification, operational and ownership modeling and integrated feasibility analysis. The cost was discussed as a shared effort, proposed to be split equally among participating partners.

The work session also addressed site readiness for evaluation. Travel Lane County staff noted that multiple locations across Lane County have been screened during the exploratory phase and that, at this time, the former Royal Caribbean property is the only site identified as sufficiently evaluation-ready to support decision-grade feasibility analysis, while remaining open to other sites should they become ready.

In addition, the Board discussed a potential change to County policy that would allow Travel Lane County to use Transient Lodging Tax funds for capital and predevelopment purposes, which would be required for any future feasibility or facility development work to proceed.

What this means:

Work sessions are designed for information sharing and discussion. No decisions were made, no site was selected and no funding, site access or capital commitments were authorized as part of this meeting. Discussion of potential costs, sites or policy changes does not represent approval to proceed.

What happens next:

County staff are expected to return to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommended path forward, including whether to authorize changes related to capital spending and whether to proceed with decision-grade feasibility work. Any such actions would be subject to a future public vote.

What we learned:

The Travel Lane County Board discussed a conditional agreement related to due diligence on the former Royal Caribbean property. This discussion did not authorize Travel Lane County to enter an agreement or select a site. Without County approval, Travel Lane County cannot use Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) funds for capital or predevelopment work.

Why this matters:

Evaluating potential sites involves time and expense. The discussion was procedural, aimed only at positioning Travel Lane County to evaluate a site and perform due diligence, if the county authorizes TLT funds for capital or predevelopment work in the future. This authority discussion reflects the existing funding structure and capital limitations established through prior county funding decisions.

Therefore, this discussion does not represent a project decision. 

What happens next:

Travel Lane County continues to evaluate multiple potential locations. The organization is scheduled to appear before the Board of County Commissioners on January 27, 2026, to discuss capital authority and next steps in the predevelopment process.

What we learned:

Analysis by Sports Facilities Companies indicates the region would need the equivalent of eight indoor basketball courts or sixteen volleyball courts for a tournament-capable facility, which would also provide adequate space for other sports and activities, such as wrestling, cheerleading and more.

Why this matters:

Understanding facility requirements helps inform site evaluations, layout considerations and operational planning.

What happens next:

This information will be used in ongoing due diligence, evaluations and feasibility analysis.

What we learned:

A local construction contractor is working to provide cost estimates for both scenarios: new construction or the remodel of an existing site.

Why this matters:

Independent, local cost estimates ensure accuracy to help inform decision-making.

What happens next:

An updated cost estimate is expected by late January.

What we learned:

Travel Lane County continues to evaluate multiple potential locations and is coordinating early due diligence with site owners and partners.

Why this matters:

Understanding feasibility across several sites is a key part of responsible predevelopment work.

What happens next:

Additional details will be shared as zoning and traffic information becomes available for sites under consideration.