A GAME CHANGER FOR WEST LOUISVILLE
The state-of-the-art Louisville Urban League Sports and Learning Complex will be a keystone of West Louisville’s changing landscape. Along with Russell: A Place of Promise, this will make a lasting community, economic, educational, and health and well-being impact for generations to come by:
- Making Louisville a world-class destination by filling a void in the local, regional, national, and international track and field community
- Spurring economic and community growth for Black businesses and families, igniting a culture of change that passes asset and wealth building down to future generations
- Investing in the most diverse and inclusive sport in the world and one that is proven to contribute to higher grades, lower truancy, and a higher likelihood of attending college
- Creating accessible and affordable health and wellness facility for a community with a life expectancy as much as 13 years shorter than the rest of the area
- Transforming brownfields and abandoned properties into green spaces, homes, and thriving local businesses
Come #RUNWITHUS
COME #RUNWITHUS*
*All numbers represent track season alone (November – March) and does not account for events, conferences, and other opportunities throughout the year.
YOUTH IMPACT
This complex will build the next generation of brilliant minds:
- Offer championship-level facilities in a community where young athletes are currently training in the hallways of schools
- Foster interest in a sport that, compared to all 20 major sports, leads to the highest grades, lowest truancy, and highest likelihood of attending college*
- Stimulate the mind through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)-focused opportunities – from outdoor bio blitzes to indoor studies of hydraulics and the body in motion
- Provide exposure to athletes who succeed academically – at the NCAA, DI level, 90% of female track and field athletes and 82% of males graduate
Come #RUNWITHUS
*Teen Sport in America: Why Participation Matters. Women’s Sports Foundation; 2018 January
WHY TRACK?
Track can prepare me mentally and physically for any obstacles that I come along in life
I think this facility, it’s going to be great for the kids that are to come. It’s getting kids off the street. They’ll have a place to go. It’s bringing jobs at the same time, and money.
Track has opened a lot of opportunities. Allowed me to go out of state and places I would have never thought I would have gone. And in the future, I’m hoping to get a scholarship in track so I don’t have to pay for college.
Some people, especially during the summer, say Kentucky is a slow state. I love that being from Louisville you kind of get to prove them wrong.
I run track really because I am inspired by Allyson Felix and I want to run the same races she does. And I also want to go to the Olympics.
Track is an equalizing sport – any child with a good pair of shoes, drive and determination can compete.
Track and field is the most foundation and fastest growing sport amongst kids. It is the #1 middle school and high school participatory sport for girls, and #2 for boys.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
This sports and learning complex will signal a transformation. Lifelong residents will take pride in a facility that is theirs, one that represents the life and history of the neighborhood.
- Organic housing revitalization and the creation and development of Black-owned business enterprises
- Enthusiasm for growth will lead to the building of a safer and healthier West Louisville
- Brownfields and abandoned properties will transform into green spaces, homes, and thriving local businesses
- Encourage involvement in a sport where participants have some of the healthiest lifestyles – regularly eat breakfast, consuming fruits and vegetables, and engaging in vigorous daily exercise
- Access to restaurants with fresh and nutritious dining
- Opportunities for adults and youth exercise, sports, or learning activities
Come #RUNWITHUS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Louisville is less than a day’s drive from more than 67% of the nation’s population. This state-of-the-art facility positions Louisville as the epicenter of the indoor track and field community. The facility, and inevitable revitalization, will capture regional and national sports energy and will;
- Bring 20,000-30,000 athletes and families with disposable income to the city during track season alone (four months)
- Spur $47 million economic impact, including total employment for 322 people during construction during track season
- Add approximately 14,789 new “heads in beds” each year, representing $15.9 million in total economic impact for Louisville hotels during track season alone
- Provide for opportunities other revenue generating events and public exposure
Come #RUNWITHUS
Image Credit: Louisville Tourism (2018) https://www.gotolouisville.com
