Travel Lane County has pursued an indoor facility for more than 30 years for one simple reason: Winter continues to hold back our visitor economy. When hotel occupancy drops for months, it’s not just numbers on a spreadsheet. Small businesses cut hours, workers lose shifts and many simply wait for spring to recover.

Indoor sports are one of the few proven ways to stabilize winter visitation. Families still travel for tournaments, and these events aren’t dependent on weather. Communities that have invested in indoor facilities see steadier winter demand and the kind of reliable visitor spending that helps businesses stay open and keeps employees in year-round work. This is exactly what the lodging tax on overnight visits to fund tourism efforts was created to support.

But this work isn’t only about visitors. Lane County has a long-standing shortage of indoor practice space for local athletes. A multi-use indoor facility addresses both needs at once. It brings visitors on weekends and gives local kids and teams a dependable place to practice during the week. That dual benefit strengthens the economy while also improving everyday quality of life by supporting the recreational and gathering spaces that make this a great place to live and visit.

Travel Lane County and community partners have spent years studying operational models, funding options and potential economic impacts. The findings are consistent: A multi-use indoor facility offers one of the most immediate and sustainable returns on investment. We remain committed to due diligence and to making sure any project is built responsibly.

This work continues because winter demand is not a hypothetical issue. It is a structural challenge that affects visitor spending, local jobs and future development. Addressing it will grow the lodging tax revenue that supports the county assets our community values, such as the Lane County History Museum, the Lane Events Center and our local parks.

We welcome community questions and will continue sharing updates as this effort moves forward. Our purpose remains the same: strengthen winter visitation, grow the visitor economy and invest in assets that benefit both residents and visitors for decades to come.

Sarah Smith
Board Chair, Travel Lane County
Eugene