Norman city leaders are optimistic about the economic impact of the upcoming opening of the Young Family Athletic Center in March. The $42 million facility, funded through various sources including a donation from the Trae Young Family Foundation, is expected to drive sports tourism and bring significant revenue to the area.
The Young Family Athletic Center, located in north Norman, spans 122,000 square feet and boasts eight basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, and two pools. The facility will also house a sports-medicine and recovery clinic called NMotion, Norman’s first Adidas store, and a local coffee shop concession stand.
Contracts have already been established with over 20 basketball and volleyball organizations to host tournaments at the center. These tournaments, including those sanctioned by the NCAA for college recruiters, are estimated to bring 125 to 150 teams to Norman. Each tournament is expected to result in substantial economic benefits for the city, as participants and their families will require hotel accommodations, meals, and will engage in local activities.
One notable event set to take place at the Young Family Athletic Center is the Battle of the Brands tournament in July, hosted by Adidas. This tournament will bring together major shoe companies like Nike and Adidas, who sponsor youth teams, to compete.
In addition to these tournaments, the YFAC will also be capable of hosting competitive swim meets, attracting events that were once held at the Murray Case Sells Swim Complex.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for February 19, and the YFAC is expected to be fully operational by March 4. The first tournament, scheduled for March 29-31, is projected to generate nearly $600,000 in sales from tournament attendees, participants, and their families.
Looking ahead, a larger tournament, the Puma NXT Memorial Day Tournament, will take place from May 24-27. This event is expected to bring 1680 overnight attendees and 550 daytime visitors, generating substantial tax revenue and benefiting local businesses in the process.
Dan Schemm, executive director of VisitNorman, described the Young Family Athletic Center as a crown jewel of the entire region. The facility’s association with Trae Young and the Young Family Foundation has helped attract additional amenities and tournaments to the area.
The opening of the Young Family Athletic Center is expected to significantly boost the local economy, attract sports tourism, and enhance the quality of life for Norman residents. With its state-of-the-art facilities and prestigious tournaments, the YFAC is positioned to become a prominent sports destination in the region.
