Proposed Sports Complex at Toytown Could Generate $350 Million in Economic Impact

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A Clearwater-based initiative to convert the long-closed Toytown landfill into a vibrant sports complex is gaining momentum. This proposed development aims to create a youth sports tournament facility on the 235-acre site, which has been unused since its closure in 1990.

Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, spoke before the Tourist Development Council on Wednesday about the urgency of moving forward with this project. “We know that there’s a strong demand for that here in Pinellas County, in the Bay Area, in the southeast United States,” Lowack said. He emphasized that the state provided $15 million in 2022 for environmental remediation of the area.

The site, which has a troubled history of failed redevelopment efforts—including a proposed spring training facility for the Atlanta Braves—could soon see new life thanks to the Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). In February, SFC submitted its redevelopment plan to the county, asserting that the location near I-275 and Roosevelt Boulevard is ideal.

SFC expressed in its submission, “We understand that the County envisions a new community asset that provides high-quality open space and youth sports facilities to local, regional, and national tournament audiences.” The firm plans to include a comprehensive range of amenities, including 20 turf baseball and softball diamonds, 17 multi-sport fields, 12 sand volleyball courts, and 24 pickleball courts, alongside a cross-country course and a walking/jogging path.

The estimated cost of the complex ranges from $150 million to $200 million. However, SFC anticipates that the development would provide more than $350 million in direct economic impact within the first five years. “Now more than ever, the demand continues to grow for competitive youth sports tournaments,” Lowack remarked, highlighting the potential economic benefits for Pinellas County.

SFC operates over 60 venues nationwide and saw 35 million visitors last year. The firm plans to collaborate with specialists in developing former landfill sites to navigate the challenges associated with the project. “Having a complex centrally located as a part of America’s Favorite Beaches would have a tremendous economic benefit to Pinellas County,” Lowack asserted.

During the meeting, members of the Tourist Development Council discussed additional potential opportunities surrounding the Toytown site, especially in light of the failed Rays stadium deal. “I think it would be interesting to have a brainstorming session about potential opportunities and projects,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott, who chairs the TDC. He urged that the county should prepare for a future without stadium funding and be creative in generating new projects.

The request for proposals (RFP) encompasses a larger area, which includes the Sparks RC Club Flying Field. Lowack stated that all proposals will undergo a thorough evaluation and discussion before any final decision is made. “We’re starting to review and evaluate Sports Facilities Companies’ proposal,” he noted, indicating ongoing discussions but not committing to a specific timeline.

SFC remains the only firm to submit plans for the Toytown redevelopment. As the project unfolds, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential benefits that such a facility could bring to the community.