Officials analyze potential economic impact of Charleston’s upcoming Capital Sports Center

The City of Charleston is bidding farewell to its past as it embarks on a new chapter in the world of sports tourism with the demolition of the former Macy’s store at the Charleston Town Center Mall to make way for the future Capital Sports Center.

At a press conference attended by city officials, the Kanawha County Commission, and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, plans for the $80 million sports complex were unveiled. Senator Manchin, who provided $2 million in funding for the project, expressed his confidence in the center’s potential to surpass the success of the mall in its prime.

The Capital Sports Center will feature state-of-the-art facilities including basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, wrestling mats, a fitness center, a turf soccer field, a rock-climbing wall, a main gymnasium, and an Olympic-sized pool. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, attracting teams and players from across the country.

While phase 1 of the project is underway, property acquisition for phase 2 remains a challenge. However, officials are determined not to delay the benefits of phase 1 while working on acquiring the necessary properties.

With the support of Senator Manchin and other funding sources, the Capital Sports Center is poised to become a premier destination for sports tourism, bringing in millions of dollars in revenue and solidifying Charleston’s position in the $40 billion sports tourism industry. The project is expected to be completed within the next two to three years, marking a new era for the city’s sports and tourism landscape.