It was dribble, hop, throw and run on Saturday as the Alachua County Sports & Events Center celebrated its grand opening at Celebration Pointe.
With the private-public partnership between Alachua County and Viking Companies, LLC., the Celebration Pointe developer, a dream was made real.
“Whatever your mind can see to believe, you can achieve it,” said Chuck Clemons, Florida state representative.
The project was financed with a total of $35.32 million, from Alachua County’s $30 million in Tourist Development Taxes (paid by visitors to the county), Viking’s $3 million, and $2.32 million from the State of Florida.
Speakers such as Michele Lieberman, Alachua County manager, welcomed visitors and locals alike to experience the grand opening. This facility has been a dream of the community for decades, Lieberman said, and the future of sports events in Alachua County has never looked brighter.
Anna Prizzia, Alachua County commission chair, and Clemons recognized the importance of youth sports programs in the community and how the facility could not only be an economic impact on tourism and job production but also elevate competitive sports.
RADDSports will supervise the management and operations of the sports center, which has attracted sporting events from regional to international. The company will also deliver activities and events, which will benefit the local community.
“It’s gonna bring economic activity to this area,” said Florida Sen. Keith Perry. “What you’re looking for is activities—sports activities.”
Before the long-awaited ribbon cutting, poet laureate E. Stanley Richardson performed the “Poem of Alachua County,” which tells the history and culture of the county.
“As innovation and tech hold tight our clever hand, and art speaks in all its many sacred tongues conceived at the angle of beauty achieved in the wild spaces, and the public places where nature and culture meet,” recited Richardson. “Alachua County, Florida. Our Eden of the South.”
After the performance, the speakers and faculty team lined up at the arena doors. Svein Dyrkolbotn, the principal owner of Viking Companies, LLC., cut the ribbon as cheers roared in celebration. Dyrkolbotn’s dream of building the center came full circle, and guests rushed in to get a good look at the facility.
The 96,000-square-foot main arena can accommodate 10 basketball courts, indoor batting cages, 18 volleyball courts and 21 pickleball courts. At the center is a portable indoor track, which was dedicated to the late Jimmy Carnes, Florida Gators track and field legend. The center also has facilities like a competitive cheerleading room, a wellness and fitness center, breakout rooms, two lobbies, a sports therapy room and more.
The University of Florida mascots Albert & Alberta also made appearances at the opening alongside the Florida Gator cheerleaders. The cheerleaders appreciate how close the center is to the main campus, not having to drive 20 minutes for practice. They also expect practices at the facility in preparation for games starting this fall season.
“Our team will be able to come here and do open gym and work on new skills,” said Nate Waters, 21, UF cheerleader. “We're really excited to use this facility.”
Keith Gilcrist, 37, a Walmart team leader took his two sons, Urijah, 7, and Micah, 4, to the arena. He hopes to create fun memories at the sports center with his kids as they try to throw a basketball into the hoop.
“My mother-in-law, she found out about it and got us together,” Gilcrist said as his youngest son, sported with face paint design of a fiery football, dribbled the basketball. “We love football and basketball!”
As people gathered at the sports center, organizers such as USA pickleball ambassador Mary Rossow hope to sign them up for their sports programs that’ll take place in the sports center. She and the Gainesville Sports Commission held the Gainesville Indoor Pickleball Showcase, an annual charity tournament that gives its proceeds to ElderCare of Alachua County.
“It changes people’s lives, truly,” Rossow said. “The benefits for its physical, mental, and social—you meet such wonderful people. It’s like one big pickleball family!”
After a self-tour of the center, guests walk to Celebration Pointe Avenue for some food and activity. With the DJ blasting music, the scent of pizza and ice cream in the air, and kids jumping in bounce houses, the event brought in the traffic Alachua County was anticipating. The center is located near restaurants, shops and a movie theater that the project's planners will hope get people stopping in for decades to come.
