Project Update: Herbert J. Malone Sports Tourism Complex Paused During City Planning Process
Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events (acting through Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism) is committed to keeping our community, partners, and stakeholders informed as planning efforts continue for the proposed Herbert J. Malone Sports Tourism Complex.
We wanted to share a brief update regarding the proposed sports tourism complex planned for the 111-acre site near the intersection of Coastal Gateway Boulevard and the Foley Beach Express.
Project is Currently Paused
The City of Gulf Shores is currently conducting a Comprehensive Land Use Study to guide long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and future development throughout the community.
As part of this process, the Gulf Shores City Council approved a temporary moratorium on certain new development applications, including Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and rezoning requests. Because the proposed sports tourism complex would require both rezoning approval and a PUD for the site plan, the project timeline is paused while the City completes this planning effort.
The Future of the Sports Tourism Complex
Our vision for this facility remains unchanged: creating a premier sports tourism destination that would bring 13 state-of-the-art playing fields, shaded gathering spaces, and tournament amenities to Alabama’s Beaches while supporting year-round visitation and expanding opportunities for sports tourism throughout the region.
As the planning process continues, we remain committed to working collaboratively with City leadership, community stakeholders, and residents to ensure any future plans align with the community’s vision and priorities.
We appreciate the continued support and interest from our tourism partners, local businesses, and community stakeholders, and will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
For questions regarding the Sports Tourism Complex timeline or upcoming sports tourism events, please contact Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events.
Timeline
- June 2022: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism closed on 111.26 acres of land in northeast Gulf Shores
- November 2022: Feasibility study began with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC)
- January 2023: SFC conducted meetings in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with key community stakeholders, staff members and sports planners
- March-June 2023: SFC delivered findings, recommendations and pro-forma
- August 2023: Agreement extended with SFC to move into next phase of planning, including conceptual site plan
- September 2023: Facilities Task Force visited comparable facilities within the State of Alabama
- October 2023: RFQ issued for an architectural company to deliver a conceptual site plan
- December 2023: Facilities Task Force interviewed companies and chose Chambliss King as the architect to develop initial conceptual site plan
- 2024: Site planning with Sports Facilities Companies and researching funding mechanisms
- 2026: The project timeline is paused while the City of Gulf Shores completes its Comprehensive Land Use Study over the next 12-24 months. Once that process is complete, the opportunity may be revisited.
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