Macomb’s Proposed Sports Complex: Addressing Common Concerns & Questions
Editor’s Note: As there have been recent letters and other discussions across social media regarding the proposed Sports Facilities Complex in front of the Macomb City Council, we’d like to direct our readers to the story we published at the end of the year that answers some of the concerns and questions that have been posed in the letters.
The article can be found at tinyurl.com/SportsComplexUpdateDec2025 and on the Community News Brief’s Facebook page.
We’ve also provided a summary of bullet points addressing some of the main questions and concerns.
• Property taxes will NOT be increased to fund complex operations.
City officials continue to meet with municipal consultants for assistance in pulling together funding options, including the current sales tax option for the business development district, bonds, grants and the State of Illinois’ STAR Bonds. The City of Macomb and MAEDCO are continuiing to work with developers/brokers interested in the project. General operating funds will not be used to pay the debt service for this project.
• The City of Macomb plans to apply for assistance with funding through the State of Illinois STAR Bonds, a recently revised program. Applicants must show job creation and a variety of other factors in order to apply and qualify, which this project will provide.
• The Macomb Sports Facilities complex is an economic development driver for the region, with Kim Pierce, CEO/ President of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corp. (MAEDCO) leading the effort in partnership with Mayor Michael Inman and the City of Macomb. An enormous amount of work is taking place behind the scenes. If and when the project moves ahead, retailers and developers can begin working on proposals simultaneously during construction.
• Up to 25,000-square-feet of the proposed complex will include a family entertainment center to fill the void in Macomb. The proposed sports facility will feature a climbing wall, laser tag, an arcade and other options that will be available to area residents and visitors 360-365 days a year.
• The Sports Facilities Companies will manage all aspects of the center, including the programming and scheduling for 20-30 tournaments and events in year one, and approximately 40 tournaments and events by year five, along with other special performances, private party rentals and family-related events. For more information go to: sportsfacilities.com/projects/portfolio.
• For more information and/or to submit feedback, visit cityofmacomb.com/cityofmacombproposedsportsfacility
• Finals words from Macomb Mayor Mike Inman: “I’ve spent the past 15 years as Mayor of Macomb and I would never take a risk that would negatively impact our city, our community and our residents. This project could be a game changer for Macomb and the surrounding area, in a very good way. We are anxious and excited, but also cautious and conservative in seeing how this project plays out.”
