Tonight, the City of Alexandria proposed building an indoor sports and events complex at Cameron Run Regional Park, reimagining the site as a year-round destination for sports, recreation, and community gathering.  

The proposed 210,000-square-foot, first-of-its-kind complex in Alexandria would expand recreational opportunities for residents, giving local athletes and families more opportunities to compete, participate in tournaments, and enjoy a wider range of programming close to home. The facility would provide additional indoor space for sports organizations, schools, leagues, and camps, while also serving as a destination for visitors. The site will attract out-of-town tournaments, generate revenue to reinvest in the city, and maintain public access to the park’s unique environmental assets.  

Under the proposal, the City of Alexandria’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) would own the land and facility and lease it to ALX Sports, a new nonprofit established by long-standing community partner Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA). ALX Sports would operate and manage the complex.  

The project is estimated to cost $117 million. The City would issue $107 million in bonds for the complex and community elements. As a key component of the public-private partnership, ALX Sports has committed to raising $10 million through a capital campaign to make the project possible and to pay rent beginning at $2.5 million per year over the 30-year lease. The facility will be constructed under a project labor agreement. It is estimated to generate approximately $160 million in revenue for City services over the lease term, including $20 million for affordable housing.  

The proposed agreement would pair professional facility management and the ability to attract and host tournaments and events with requirements for resident access, community programming, affordability, and property maintenance. These commitments would be central to ensuring Cameron Run Park remains a public asset that delivers meaningful benefits to Alexandria residents.  

“Since the 2017 Cameron Run Planning Process, and more recently with ALX Forward, residents have said they want economic development to not only generate revenue but also create new community benefits,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “I am excited about the opportunity to reimagine what Cameron Run can be, together, and explore a proposal that creates new opportunities for gathering, sports, recreation, and tourism in Alexandria. I encourage our residents to make their voices heard throughout the engagement period.”  

The City will host the first community engagement event on Thursday, November 12 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Participants can learn more about the project and ask questions to representatives from the City, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, and ALX Sports. A full series of engagement opportunities will be posted on the City’s website.

To learn more about the proposed project, submit feedback, and see the community engagement schedule, visit alexandriava.gov/ALXSportsandEvents