9/22/2003Cortland Sports Complex Holds Ground Breaking
Cortland, NY -- The Board of Directors and the capital campaign steering committee of the Cortland Sports Complex held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 22. Construction is set to begin in late September.
The event, held on the construction site at the County Fairgrounds, was scheduled after project officials secured funding from Key Bank of Central New York and a loan guarantee from the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development.
“Key Bank has played a critical role in partnering with the Sports Complex to provide the construction financing we needed to begin construction this year. Without their support and confidence in our project, we would not be in a position to break ground,” said Larry Hirschfield, President of the Cortland Sports Complex. Key Bank will be providing construction financing of $3.5 million that will convert to a 20 year permanent loan upon completion of construction.
“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this vital community project. The volunteer board of the Sports Complex has worked diligently to bring this project to groundbreaking and we are excited about the opportunity this community has to showcase the Sports Complex as another resource to attract business, promote our quality of life, and meet the needs of our community members,” said James Gaspo, Key Bank District President.
Construction is expected to take approximately six months to complete. The building is 80,000 sq. ft. in total and will contain a regulation ice hockey rink and 2 turf fields that can be used for soccer, lacrosse, and other field sports. In addition, there is other space within the facility for indoor sports such as gymnastics, dance, and exercise classes. The facility will also contain a concession stand, dining area, locker rooms, offices, game room and large areas that can be used for parties. During the non-sporting season, the facility can be used for special events including regional shows (such as craft, antique, car, tools, etc.), special events, concerts and other major events. There will be many opportunities for tournaments and events with the addition of this facility in the community.
The capital campaign steering committee will continue its efforts to raise funds to repay the loan provided by Key Bank. In addition to the current pledges outstanding of $2.5 million, the Complex is working with some other major contributors to help bridge the gap between pledges and construction costs. The “Brick Campaign” is still underway where companies or individuals can purchase bricks for as little as $50. Contributors can engrave these bricks that will become lasting reminders to the community of those who helped make this project possible. For more information on how you or your company can contribute funds to this facility, please contact Tom Gallagher, Campaign Chairperson, at 753-0571.