The Haslam Sports Group unveiled plans for a National Women's Soccer League training complex on the edge of Columbus, a project that would bring a state‑of‑the‑art facility featuring heated soccer fields and a two‑story, 45,000‑square‑foot building.
The development calls for rezoning roughly 24 acres to a commercial planned development district and includes a commitment to set aside about five acres for public recreation, a gesture that has drawn both praise and scrutiny from local residents.
Opposition has centered on the potential loss of green space in the Southwest Side, where community members worry that the project could prioritize elite sport over neighborhood needs.
Southwest Area Commissioner Leah Young said she is cautiously optimistic, noting that the commission will soon vote to recommend the rezoning to the Columbus City Council, though the council holds the final authority.
The proposal also earmarks $12 million for early‑childhood education, food‑insecurity programs and park improvements, and includes a $3 million contribution from co‑owner Nationwide Insurance, which describes the partnership as a long‑term commitment to the area.
A compromise for community space
Design work is being led by local firms Moody‑Nolan, EMH&T and MKSK, while construction will be handled by the Columbus‑based, woman‑owned contractor Marker Construction, aiming for completion by 2028.
Local advocate Mary Shepro praised the allocation of land for community use, urging continued transparency about how the space will be managed.
Phil Dangerfield, a youth soccer coach in the region, highlighted the importance of elite training opportunities for female athletes, calling the facility a potential catalyst for growing the sport.
A naming‑rights partner has been secured, though the sponsor’s identity has not yet been announced, and officials say the aggressive timeline reflects a desire to break ground quickly while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
The project’s backers argue that blending high‑level training with public access could set a precedent for future sports‑infrastructure initiatives, provided that community input remains central to the planning process.