Project Components. The proposed project includes the demolition of existing improvements and construction of a new indoor sports facility, anticipated to include: 

• Approximately 210,000 (+/-) square feet of indoor sports and recreation space (the “Sports & Events Complex”); 
• Approximately 600 (+/-) surface parking spaces; and 
• Approximately 50,000 (+/-) square feet of outdoor park and community elements 
• The project is estimated to cost $117 million 

Project Structure and Responsibilities 

• ASA established a new nonprofit organization, ALX Sports, to lease and operate the Sports & Events Complex with ASA providing a guaranty in support of ALX Sports’ obligations as described below
• Subject to approval by City Council, the IDA Board, and ASA Board, the proposed project structure and responsibilities are as follows: 
  • City: Convey the Property to the IDA and provide construction financing through the issuance of general obligation bonds 
  • IDA: Own the Property, oversee construction of the Sports & Events Complex using funds provided by the City, and lease the Property to ALX Sports 
  • ALX Sports: Lease the Property from the IDA, operate the Sports & Events Complex under a 30.5-year lease, and contribute a minimum of $10 million in capital contribution
  • A project labor agreement will be used to construct the facility

Anticipated Facility Components 

• The Sports & Events Complex is anticipated to include courts, athletic facilities, locker rooms, spectator areas, food and beverage facilities, meeting spaces, and related support and accessory spaces 
• The design, size, configuration, and allocation of space will be determined by the parties 

Community Benefits 

• The City will have access to the Sports & Events Complex for up to 10 signature events each calendar year without paying facility rental fees; only out-of-pocket costs 
• ALX Sports will establish a local booking preference for organizers based in the City of Alexandria, subject to a national and regional event schedule 
• ALX Sports will make commercially reasonable efforts to maximize participation by Alexandria-based businesses for vendor opportunities, food and beverage services, retail, and other ancillary uses 
• The project contemplates approximately over 50,000 square feet of outdoor park and community elements, with potential City investment to be considered through the City's annual budget process 
• Pursuant to adopted City Council policy, construction of the Sports & Events Complex will be performed pursuant to a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) 
• The development will be subject to the City’s typical land use requirements 

• City Financial Participation. Subject to City Council approval, the City’s proposed financial commitments include: 
  • Demolition: The City will cause demolition of the current Property improvements 
  • Project financing: Project financing: The City will issue $107 million in general obligation bonds, and provide disbursements to the IDA for development of the Sports & Events Complex
  • Outdoor park and community elements: The $107 million City financing includes investment for outdoor park and community elements. Through its budget process, the City Manager will recommend that Council invest in such outdoor park and community elements

ASA/ ALX Sports Financial Participation 

• Capital contribution: ASA/ALX Sports will contribute a total capital contribution of $10,000,000 toward the Sports & Events Complex, according to the following schedule: 
• $2,000,000 by March of 2027; $2,000,000 by June of 2028; and $6,000,000 within 10 years after the Sports & Events Complex begins operations 
• The City Manager may extend these deadlines by up to 3 months, respectively  
• If any portion of the final $6,000,000 contribution is financed by the City, all associated finance costs will be the responsibility of ASA/ALX Sports  
• If $4,000,000 is not contributed by ASA/ ALX Sports by June of 2028, the City is under no obligation to issue bonds and may instead issue a competitive solicitation for an operator 
• Lease payments: ALX Sports will lease the Property from the IDA and pay annual base rent beginning at $2,500,000 per year with the rent escalating during the term of the agreement 
• The IDA will transfer base rent revenues to the City to support repayment of the City’s general obligation bonds issued for the project 

ASA Guaranty of Lease and Cost Participation 

• ASA will guarantee certain financial obligations of ALX Sports under the lease. The guaranty will cover up to two years of base rent payments and the remaining unpaid capital contribution balance if ALX Sports defaults under the agreement 

• To support the financial performance and long-term operation of the Sports & Events Complex, ALX Sports will commit to the following:  
  • Meet minimum requirements for the number, type, and attendance of national, regional, and local events hosted at the Sports & Events Complex 
  • Implement a “Stay to Play” policy that will ensure anticipated visitor-driven fiscal benefits are realized. ALX Sports will be required to induce hotel stays and other local economic activity through contracts with the majority of tournament and event organizers. A penalty mechanism will be included in the future agreement requiring ALX Sports to pay the resulting revenue shortfall to the Public Entities if the policy is not applied or a pre-determined percentage of the fiscal impacts are not realized.  
  • Share naming rights revenues with the IDA and City after the required capital contribution is met 
• The City Manager may recommend an increase to the admissions tax rate applicable to the Sports & Events Complex as a potential future revenue source 

• ALX Sports will be responsible for operating and maintaining the Sports & Events Complex and paying all associated operating and maintenance expenses 
• The IDA and ALX Sports will establish a capital reserve fund to provide for major repairs, replacements, and future capital needs of the Sports & Events Complex. Contributions to the reserve will be shared equally between the IDA and ALX Sports, subject to the terms of a future agreement 

The Alexandria Sports and Events Complex is a proposed year-round indoor sports, recreation and events facility at Cameron Run Regional Park, located at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue.

The concept includes approximately 210,000 square feet of indoor space, approximately 600 surface parking spaces and approximately 50,000 square feet of outdoor park and community elements.

The facility is anticipated to include courts, athletic facilities, locker rooms, spectator areas, food and beverage facilities, meeting spaces and related support areas. It is envisioned as a destination for sports, tournaments, competitions, events and community recreation.

The broader vision extends beyond the indoor facility. The proposal seeks to create a more vibrant and accessible community destination, with outdoor spaces and public recreation continuing to play an important role.

The City is considering this proposal as an opportunity to expand recreational capacity, create new opportunities for local athletes, attract visitors, support local businesses and provide lasting benefits to Alexandria.

Cameron Run is an important public property with a longstanding history of recreation and community activity. The City's current lease with NOVA Parks is scheduled to expire in December 2028, creating an opportunity to consider the property's long-term future.

Previous planning efforts and community conversations have explored opportunities to improve recreation, enhance park amenities and make better use of the property. The 2017 Cameron Run Conceptual Design Report and subsequent community surveys provide historical context, reflecting interest in natural areas, walking paths, improved maintenance, aquatic facilities and athletic opportunities.

More recently, the City's ALX Forward economic development strategy identified youth sports and the experience economy as areas of opportunity.

The proposed Sports and Events Complex brings these priorities together by envisioning expanded recreational opportunities alongside a destination that could attract visitors and support local businesses.

The City is evaluating how this proposal could make better year-round use of the property while respecting the site, surrounding neighborhoods and the City's environmental and sustainability goals.
 

The proposed Complex could expand opportunities for Alexandria residents to participate in sports, recreation and community activities throughout the year.

Potential benefits include:

• More indoor space for sports organizations, schools, leagues, camps and recreational programming.
• Opportunities for local athletes and families to participate in tournaments and competitions closer to home.
• A flexible venue for community gatherings, tournaments and other events.
• Approximately 50,000 square feet of proposed outdoor park and community elements.
• Opportunities to attract regional and national sporting events that bring visitors to Alexandria.
• Increased business activity for local hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses.

The proposal also includes provisions intended to support Alexandria-based businesses through opportunities to participate in vendor services, food and beverage operations, retail and other ancillary uses.

ALX Sports would make commercially reasonable efforts to maximize participation by Alexandria-based businesses.

The City would also have access to the facility for up to 10 signature events each calendar year without paying facility rental fees, although the City would be responsible for out-of-pocket costs.

The City will continue evaluating the proposal's community benefits, including public access, affordability, outdoor recreation and long-term stewardship of Cameron Run.
 

The project is estimated to cost $117 million. Under the proposed arrangement, the City would issue $107 million in bonds for the complex and community elements. The City would provide disbursements to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to support development of the Complex.

The proposal also includes a $10 million capital contribution from ASA/ALX Sports to support the project. The proposed contribution schedule is:

• $2 million by March 2027.
• $2 million by June 2028.
• $6 million within 10 years after the Complex begins operations.

The City Manager may extend these contribution deadlines by up to three months, respectively.

If any portion of the final $6 million contribution is financed by the City, all associated financing costs would be the responsibility of ASA/ALX Sports.

If ASA/ALX Sports does not contribute at least $4 million by June 2028, the City would have no obligation to issue the bonds and may instead pursue a competitive solicitation for an operator.

Under the proposed lease, ALX Sports would pay annual base rent beginning at $2.5 million per year. The IDA would transfer these revenues to the City to support repayment of the general obligation bonds.

The proposal also contemplates sharing naming rights revenues with the IDA and City after the required capital contribution is met.

Additionally, the City Manager may recommend an increase to the admissions tax rate applicable to the Complex as a potential future revenue source.

The $107 million City financing includes investment for outdoor park and community elements. The City Manager would recommend, through the City's annual budget process, that City Council consider investing in such outdoor park and community elements. Any additional City investment in outdoor improvements would be considered separately through the budget process.

All proposed financial arrangements remain subject to required approvals and final agreements.
 

The proposed arrangement would require the City to issue general obligation bonds of up to $107 million to finance construction of the complex and community elements.

Because general obligation bonds are backed by the City's full faith and credit, the City would remain responsible for repayment regardless of whether the facility generates sufficient revenue to meet its lease payments.

The proposed annual base rent from ALX Sports, beginning at $2.5 million, would be transferred by the IDA to the City to support bond repayment.

The proposal includes several additional financial protections and performance requirements:

• ASA guaranty: ASA would guarantee certain financial obligations of ALX Sports under the lease, including up to two years of base rent payments and the remaining unpaid capital contribution balance if ALX Sports defaults.
• Event requirements: ALX Sports would be required to meet minimum requirements for the number, type and attendance of national, regional and local events hosted at the facility.
• Stay to Play policy: ALX Sports would be required to implement a policy intended to ensure anticipated visitor-driven economic benefits are realized. This would include contracts with the majority of tournament and event organizers to induce hotel stays and other local economic activity.
• Penalty mechanism: A future agreement would require ALX Sports to pay the resulting revenue shortfall to the Public Entities if the Stay to Play policy is not applied or a predetermined percentage of anticipated fiscal impacts is not achieved.
• Naming rights: Naming rights revenues would be shared with the IDA and City after the required capital contribution is met.
• Capital reserve: The IDA and ALX Sports would establish a capital reserve fund to support major repairs, replacements and future capital needs, with contributions shared equally, subject to a future agreement.

The City Manager may also recommend an increase to the admissions tax rate applicable to the Complex as a potential future revenue source.

If ASA/ALX Sports does not contribute at least $4 million by June 2028, the City would have no obligation to issue the bonds and may instead pursue a competitive solicitation for an operator.

These provisions are intended to protect the City's financial interests while supporting the long-term operation of the facility. Final obligations would be established through the applicable agreements.
 

The proposed partnership is designed to combine public ownership and oversight with nonprofit management and operations.

Under the proposed structure:

• City of Alexandria: Would transfer ownership of the Cameron Run property to the IDA and provide construction financing through general obligation bonds.
• Industrial Development Authority (IDA): Would own the property, oversee construction using funds provided by the City and lease the property to ALX Sports.
• ALX Sports: A nonprofit organization established by ASA, would lease the property from the IDA under a proposed 30.5-year lease and operate the Sports and Events Complex.
• Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA): Established ALX Sports and would provide a guaranty of certain financial obligations under the proposed lease.

ASA brings decades of experience providing sports programming and managing facilities in Alexandria. ALX Sports is intended to build on that experience while operating a facility designed to serve a broader range of sports organizations and community activities.

The proposed structure is intended to provide professional facility management while establishing financial and operational responsibilities through formal agreements.

The arrangement remains subject to approval by City Council, the IDA Board and the ASA Board. 

Ensuring that the Complex provides meaningful benefits to Alexandria residents is an important part of the proposal.

The proposed partnership includes several provisions intended to support community access and local participation:

• The City would have access to the facility for up to 10 signature events each calendar year without paying facility rental fees, although it would be responsible for out-of-pocket costs.
• ALX Sports would establish a local booking preference for event organizers based in Alexandria, subject to the national and regional event schedule.
• The facility would accommodate a variety of sports, tournaments, recreational activities and community gatherings.
• Approximately 50,000 square feet of outdoor park and community elements are contemplated as part of the development.
• ALX Sports would make commercially reasonable efforts to maximize participation by Alexandria-based businesses in vendor opportunities, food and beverage services, retail and other ancillary uses.

The City Manager would recommend that City Council consider investing in outdoor park and community elements through the annual budget process.

The City will continue evaluating public access, community programming, affordability and the use of outdoor spaces as part of the proposal.

The goal is to create a destination that attracts regional visitors while continuing to provide meaningful recreational and community opportunities for Alexandria residents.

The proposed Complex is intended to serve multiple sports, organizations and community activities.

ASA established ALX Sports to lease and operate the facility, and ASA is expected to be one of its users. However, the proposed arrangement contemplates ALX Sports serving a broad range of local and regional sports organizations, schools, nonprofits, tournament organizers and community groups.

The proposed term sheet includes a local booking preference for Alexandria-based event organizers, subject to the national and regional event schedule. It does not establish an exclusive facility-use arrangement for ASA.

The City will need to ensure that the final lease and operating agreements clearly address scheduling, facility access, pricing and the responsibilities of ALX Sports as operator.

These provisions will be important to ensuring the facility serves a broad range of users and provides meaningful opportunities for Alexandria organizations. 

The City recognizes that a large indoor sports and events facility could generate additional traffic and activity in the Cameron Run area, particularly during tournaments and major events.

The preliminary concept includes approximately 600 surface parking spaces. However, parking capacity alone does not address all potential transportation impacts.

As the proposal advances, the City will evaluate transportation, parking and site considerations, including:

• Traffic patterns and roadway capacity.
• Parking demand during routine programming and large events.
• Pedestrian and bicycle connections.
• Access to public transportation.
• Event-related vehicle activity and potential neighborhood impacts.
• Noise, lighting, landscaping and site circulation.
• Environmental sustainability and stormwater management.

The City will also consider opportunities to apply current environmental and sustainability standards, maintain and enhance green space and vegetation, and address stewardship of Lake Cook and surrounding amenities.

The proposed development would be subject to the City's typical land-use requirements and applicable reviews.

The City will continue evaluating these considerations to determine what additional studies, design modifications and operational measures may be necessary to address potential impacts on nearby residents and the surrounding community. 

The proposal contemplates redevelopment of the site currently occupied by the Cameron Run water park, including demolition of existing improvements to accommodate the new indoor facility. The City would be responsible for causing demolition of the current property improvements under the proposed arrangement.

However, the broader vision for Cameron Run extends beyond the indoor Complex. Approximately 50,000 square feet of outdoor park and community elements are contemplated as part of the proposal.

The City is also considering opportunities to maintain and enhance green space, landscaping, vegetation, pedestrian connections and the overall park environment, including the stewardship of Lake Cook and surrounding amenities.

The City Manager would recommend potential City investment in outdoor park and community elements through the annual budget process.

The specific design, size, configuration and allocation of outdoor space have not yet been finalized and would be determined by the parties.

The City will continue evaluating how outdoor recreation, public access and environmental considerations can be incorporated into the future development.

The Alexandria Sports and Events Complex is a proposal under consideration and requires additional review and approvals before it can move forward.

The proposed arrangement is subject to approval by City Council, the IDA Board and the ASA Board. The development will also be subject to the City's applicable land-use requirements and associated public review processes.

The City is conducting community engagement with residents, businesses, neighborhood organizations, sports organizations and other stakeholders to share information, answer questions and gather feedback.

Engagement opportunities include:

• Virtual community information sessions.
• Presentations to City boards and commissions.
• Meetings with neighborhood and business organizations.
• Presentations to community and stakeholder groups.
• City Council public hearings.

Community input is critical to help inform the City's consideration of the proposal, including the facility concept, financial arrangements, outdoor recreation, transportation, neighborhood impacts and proposed operating structure.

The City will continue to share information about upcoming meetings, opportunities for public participation and important project milestones as the process advances.

No final decision should be assumed until the applicable approvals have been completed.

Under the proposed arrangement, ALX Sports would be responsible for operating and maintaining the Sports and Events Complex and paying all associated operating and maintenance expenses.

The proposal also includes the establishment of a capital reserve fund by the IDA and ALX Sports to support major repairs, replacements and future capital needs of the Complex.

Contributions to this reserve would be shared equally between the IDA and ALX Sports, subject to the terms of a future agreement.

The proposed 30.5-year lease would establish the relationship between the IDA and ALX Sports, including the operator's responsibilities and financial obligations.

ALX Sports would also be required to meet minimum event requirements and implement the proposed Stay to Play policy to support the facility's financial performance and anticipated economic benefits.

The City will need to ensure that the final agreements clearly establish expectations for facility maintenance, financial performance, public access, event requirements and long-term asset protection.

These arrangements are intended to ensure that the facility is maintained responsibly, that the operator fulfills its contractual obligations and that the public property continues to provide value to Alexandria over the long term.