A feasibility study is underway in the village of Niles exploring the creation of an indoor sports facility for club sports.
Trustees unanimously approved Sept. 22 a proposal with Sports Facilities Companies in the amount of $52,500 for a feasibility analysis of Golf Mill Shopping Center as a potential site for the arena. According to the resolution read by Trustee Craig Neidermaier:
“As Golf Mill evolves into a transformative destination for the village, it is critical that any proposed facility be grounded in a realistic understanding of market demand, operational requirements, revenue potential, and community impact. SFC’s approach goes beyond traditional financial analysis by evaluating how programming, events, partnerships, and operations influence both economic outcomes and the overall success of a destination.”
Niles Mayor George D. Alpogianis said during the village board meeting that there had been interest in a sports center from multiple parties both on the sports facility side and at the shopping center.
“Even though they’re looking at Golf Mill, it’s not going to be specific to Golf Mill,” Alpogianis said. “It may work somewhere else in the village. There will be a hotel feasibility study, too. We won’t do anything to hurt any of our other taxing bodies.”
Trustee Neidermaier agreed that such a facility is greatly needed.
“This was initially driven by the organic moval”] of that industry into our town over the last 20 to 30 years,” Neidermaier said. “Niles has become a sports recreation hub not just for kids, but for adult recreation. It manifests itself currently more around Caldwell and Howard — this definitely is not married to a specific location.”
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Alpogianis later told Pioneer Press that Sports Facilities Companies are seeking a minimum of five acres in the village, but ideally would like 10 to 15 acres to create an indoor sports arena for multiple soccer games, basketball tournaments, and more. He said he sees the potential for additional revenue for the village from families and athletes traveling for club sporting events, shopping in the village, and staying at hotels in the village.
“Yes, there’s a need for this in the village, and we’ll work in tandem with the park district which is always looking for space for events as well,” Alpogianis told Pioneer Press.
Elizabeth Owens Schiele is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.