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The Sports Pavilion & Automotive Research Center (SPARC) will be taking one step closer to reality next week as the Franklin County Commissioners will vote on Tuesday to finalize the sale of the old Cooper Stadium baseball park. The property will be sold for $3.4 million to King Holding Corporation and developer Arshot Investment Corporation who will develop the land into a mixed-use sports and entertainment venue.
“The sale of Cooper Stadium will bring jobs, renewed economic opportunity, and neighborhood excitement back to this historic Franklinton location,” said County Commissioner President Paula Brooks. “Cooper Stadium was a valued County asset for more than three decades, and now is the right time to see it redeveloped for our region’s future, with cutting-edge research and electric-powered vehicles in the bustling city center of our County.”
The SPARC (formerly known as the Cooper Park Race Track) is a proposed $40 million project that includes a multi-sport racetrack with 8,000 grandstand seats, a research and development center, a restaurant, hotel and other exhibition and event space.
“The 80-year history of this stadium is far from over. When we set out to redevelop the Cooper Stadium site, we dedicated ourselves to finding a developer with a concept that would benefit all of Franklin County, particularly those in the nearby neighborhood,” said County Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “One which held the promise of putting Cooper Stadium back into an active, vibrant, job-generating use for both residents and businesses.”
More information can be found online at www.sparcohio.com.
Ughh… I thought this thing was dead? I really do not see how this can benefit the area without it being a constant nuisance to surrounding residents.
These county commissioners make me want to freeking puke. Reprehensible.
Booo!
How sad that Franklin County and the City sold out to money over the residents. A new race track in an urban neighborhood. Has any of these officials ever been to a race and heard how loud they are? They will be sorry after the fact when they have to deal with the noise complaints. Apparently they did not learn anything from Polaris Amphitheater and that was in a relatively sparcely populated area…
I love that rendering. It looks like the box cover for a 1990s video game, which seems appropriate because I’m pretty sure this proposal only appeals to 9 year olds. ;)
I’ve seen many signs of support for the Cooper Stadium around the area. To the North is I-70 which is loud. To the South is a cemetery which doesn’t care. To the East is a river and mostly industry. To the West is a shopping center. I was also of the impression that there were noise limits which would result in penalties.
What would be an appropriate alternative?
I think this is a great idea! How cool of an attraction to make the Columbus downtown that much more exciting and unique while bringing life back to a very rundown and hurting section of the downtown. They have been very thoughtful about making sure the residents concerns have been met by adding tall sound barriers and issuing noise limits. Also unlike Germain Amphitheater there are no housing developments that back right up to the stadium which make it un comparable and there is a freeways all around that area and freeways are REALLY LOUD. The one really big thing that people who are against this project forget is the JOBS and money that it will bring to the city and area. This track is not only for racing it will be used for so much more. I am excited to see this happen!
I think this is a great idea and just what Columbus needs. It will bring great entertainment to the downtown area and also bring jobs and also give our economy a boost. I cant wait till this opens.