Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
- Ryan Moore and Levi Bills are hoping to build a state-of-the-art youth sports complex in Utah.
- The facility aims to generate $12 million annually, offering sports, family entertainment and economic opportunities.
- It would include amenities like a sports medicine clinic and support underprivileged children through donation-funded programs.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's booming youth sports scene may soon have a new home as two business partners push plans for a state-of-the-art athletic complex.
The facility, spearheaded by Ryan Moore and Levi Bills, is envisioned as a premier destination for local and traveling teams, providing much-needed space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and potentially ice sports. Beyond athletics, the complex hopes to be a hub for families, with food services, entertainment options and an on-site medical clinic.
Herriman has emerged as a leading contender to host the facility, with city officials eager to explore the potential economic and community benefits. However, as the project gains traction, reactions from parents and coaches vary, with some expressing excitement and others voicing concerns about the impact on costs and competition in the travel sports industry.
A need for more facilities
Moore, founder and managing partner, said he identified a gap in Utah's sports infrastructure after observing the challenges faced by young athletes and their families.
"Utah families are constantly traveling out of state because we don't have facilities that match the caliber they need," he explained.
Bills, vice president and Moore's business partner, echoed the sentiment, saying, "We want to bring a spot to Salt Lake City where families and teams from around the country will visit and take advantage of Utah's outdoor activities."
Parents agree the lack of quality sports venues has forced them to spend significant time and money on traveling. Melinda Bendall, a parent of a club basketball player, said she takes her child out of state for tournaments three to five times a year and drives across the Salt Lake Valley four times a week for practices and games.
"It is close to impossible to find places for teams to practice," she said. "Schools have tight time constraints, and churches aren't allowed to host organized teams. We need a place like this."
Not all parents believe a new facility will reduce travel demands and/or costs. Tom Schriever, who has spent years navigating the travel sports circuit, estimates he has taken his kids to over 50 out-of-state tournaments.
"Honestly, I don't think it will alleviate costs much," Schriever said. "Families will still travel because teams will always find another tournament to go to. My concern is that it will just add more competition and raise fees."
Herriman's interest in the project
As Moore and Bills search for the ideal location, Herriman has stepped in as a strong candidate.
Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer sees the proposed facility as a potential asset to both the city and the greater Salt Lake area. "Herriman is a growing, vibrant community, and we are committed to ensuring that any development aligns with our city's long-term vision," Palmer said. "A well-planned youth sports facility could benefit Herriman residents by expanding recreational options, supporting youth sports and encouraging economic activity by attracting visitors."
Herriman's rapid commercial growth makes it a natural fit for such a development, according to Palmer.
"With the city's economic expansion, a facility like this could help attract visitors and contribute to our broader development strategy," he said. "It could be a valuable asset to our local businesses and the surrounding area."
The proposed location would be between I-15 and Bangerter Highway to ensure accessibility for teams traveling from across the state and beyond. Moore and Bills are scouting sites between 5 and 10 acres to accommodate parking and future expansions.
Beyond sports: A family destination
The complex is designed to be more than just a sports venue. The facility will feature dining options, entertainment spaces, and a day care facility, creating an all-inclusive environment for families. "We want parents to be comfortable," Moore said. "This facility will be a place where the whole family can enjoy their time while one child competes."
A unique feature of the complex is an on-site sports medicine clinic, which would provide immediate care for injured athletes. "If a child gets hurt during a game, parents won't have to rush to the hospital," Bills explained. "They can take advantage of the clinic right there, saving time and stress."
The inclusion of shops and restaurants is also expected to make the facility a year-round attraction, even for those not involved in youth sports. "If you like a particular restaurant in the facility, you don't need to be there for a tournament to grab a bite," Moore said.
Economic impact and challenges
Market analysis from Sports Facilities Companies suggests the facility could generate $12 million annually in related economic activity, including lodging, dining, transportation and retail. Sports Facilities Companies projects the influx of visitors to result in over 22,000 hotel room nights booked each year, with more than 75,000 nonlocal visitor days.
"This isn't just a place for sports," Bills explained. "It's a place where providers of food, fitness, and medical care can thrive. People will spend a lot of time here, and many will come back multiple times a week."
Palmer sees this as a major advantage for Herriman. "A facility of this scale could provide a boost to our local businesses, increase tax revenue, and enhance our overall quality of life," he said.
Still, some coaches and parents have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of such a project. Josh Henderson, a men's club volleyball coach in Utah, sees significant benefits but also potential pitfalls. "From a tournament organization standpoint, a central facility would be a game-changer," Henderson said. "But my concern is whether the facility can keep busy during the week. Weekends won't be a problem, but what about Monday through Thursday?"
Schriever also worries about how increased competition could impact costs. "If fees go up, parents might start questioning if it's all worth it," he said. "Travel sports are already expensive, and I've seen families struggle to keep up."
More opportunities for Utah athletes
Despite concerns, the proposed complex could offer new opportunities for young athletes to gain exposure. In boys' volleyball, for instance, Henderson believes a larger facility would allow more regional tournaments to take place in Utah, reducing the need for out-of-state travel. "Right now, if boys want to be seen by college scouts, they have to travel," he said. "This could change that."
For Bills, this is personal. "When we were in high school, we had limited choices for college ball," he reflected. "Now, my daughter earned a volleyball scholarship to Baylor University because of national tournaments. We need facilities here to give more kids the same chance."
Moore and Bills also hope to make the facility accessible to underprivileged children by offering donation-funded leagues and city-sponsored programming. "If the city plugs in some financing, we can provide more opportunities for underprivileged kids and expand our support to the Special Olympics," Moore said.
As they continue working with city officials, securing the right location remains a top priority. With Herriman expressing strong interest, the partners are hopeful that they can finalize plans in the coming months.
