Inch & Co. Is building a sports complex in York

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A new sports complex planned for York County is expected to generate an estimated $19.3 million for the economy. 

Joe Eisenhauer, vice president of development and construction for Inch & Co., developers of the complex, said the facility is expected to draw 170,000 to 200,000 visitors and generate $1.9 million in tax revenue. 

The planned 250,000-square-foot facility on 13-acres will be built at the “crossroads” of York, Eisenhauer said.  

The site, the former York Central High School football field abutting North York Borough and Manchester Township, will begin to be cleared starting in mid-March in preparation for construction, he said. Inch & Co. is still finalizing the total cost of the facility.

David Gonzalez Jr., director of Economic Initiatives at the York County Economic Alliance, said the facility will help fill the sports tourism void. 

“This will make us a major player,” he said. “It will be similar to Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster and Nittany Valley Sports Centre in State College.” 

Plans include 16 volleyball courts, eight basketball courts, pickleball and other amenities, Eisenhauer said. It will have a domed structure with a turf field for softball, baseball, soccer and limited football. 

“This is a dream of Jeff and John Inch who have a passion for sports and wellness,” Eisenhauer said. “They are putting their efforts into boosting the York economy.” 

The facility has been in the planning stages for quite some time. Eisenhauer said supply chain challenges have caused delays, but construction is ready to start.  

Inch & Co. has received all development approvals and the traffic issues have been addressed, he said.  

“We have a great sports venue,” said Melissa Beaverson, director of Destination Marketing for Explore York. “This will give us more opportunity.” 

Explore York will help Inch & Co. sell the venue. Beaverson said sports tourism has been growing in York with venues like the York Expo Center and outside fields. 

“With our Sport York initiative, we have seen a $25 million economic impact,” she said.  

Last fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2023, Beaverson said sports generated about 40,000 overnight room stays. 

“With youth sports, statistically each athlete brings 2.5 people with them. They stay in hotels, eat in restaurants and visit other venues,” she said. 

Currently, Beaverson said the York tourism industry employs about 7,300 people. 

“Any new facility will continue to drive that up which benefits the residents,” she said. “This is definitely exciting. We are thrilled for the growth and opportunity for all residents and guests.” 

Eisenhauer said the complex is expected to employ 80 people directly and indirectly.  

“We have had a lot of restaurant closures here and this will be a big boom to them and to the hotels in a two-to-three-mile radius,” Eisenhauer said. “The community at large is very excited.” 

Eisenhauer said Inch & Co. Is still finalizing the plans, but the project is very similar to Spooky Nook which has hosted 1.5 million visitors, raised $400 million in hotel revenue and $1 billion in sales over the last 10 years. 

Plans are to host 30 events the first year, mainly volleyball and basketball, he said. 

“Nationwide, sports tourism is booming and with this facility, we want to bring an influx of people as early as we can,” Eisenhauer said. 

The complex is five to 10 minutes from downtown York so Gonzalez said it will have a great economic impact there.  

“There will be good coordination with Downtown Inc., us and Explore York to educate the businesses at large,” he said. “When they know a tournament is coming, they can prepare food orders and staff.” 

Gonzalez said in addition, with the promise of more tournaments, there might be interest in investment in more lodging in the county.  

“This will bolster our outdoor economy which is already strong with our great outdoor amenities like the Heritage Rail Trail,” he said. “When people come for tournaments, they enjoy other things as well. This is a slam dunk for York County at large.”