Lexington County Council approved first reading of an ordinance that would authorize up-to $74 million
in general obligation bonds for a multi-sports complex that would be built in Cayce, near the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center at 12th Street Extension and I-77.

“There would be nothing else in South Carolina comparable in size and scope,” to the complex, said Lexington County Councilman Todd Cullum, who lives in Cayce.

Cullum said there is a plan for commercial development to come with the complex.

Randy Gibson, Executive Director of the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission, presented the proposal to Council. He said 12th Street Properties, the donator of the property, would develop at least one hotel. There would also be restaurants and other retail would also be built around the complex. It’s similar to a complex in LakePoint Sports in Emerson/Cartersville, GA, that hosts more than 2.5 million visitors annually. Gibson said LakePoint had nothing nothing around it, but 2-to-3 hotels, and retail have been built in the area since the sports complex came. (Photos are of LakePoint Sports)

The location of the facility would provide convenient access to I-20, I-26, and I-77. And it would include convenient access to Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

First reading passed unanimously at the Tuesday, July 14, county council meeting. Gibson told council that more than 300 acres would be donated as a part of the plan for the multi sports complex. A public hearing must be held, along with two more approved readings of the ordinance, before the project would move forward.

The complex would consist of a 150,000-square-foot indoor multi-sports facility with 12 basketball courts and/or 24 volleyball courts. Gymnastics and cheerleading competitions could also be conducted in the building.

It would also contain 8 lighted synthetic turf multi purpose fields for high school and college-level use for baseball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse.

The goal of the complex, Gibson said, is for it to be an economic driver for Lexington County via sports tourism, drawing large members of teams and visitors to the area.

Cullum also said there would be various funding sources, and supporters, for the project, including: the State of South Carolina (which has already provided $3 million in seed funding) that former Sen. Nikki Setzler helped secure. More funding from the state and possibly support from the City of Cayce would also be resources to help build the complex.

The Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission would own and operate the complex.