The Texas Construction News staff writer
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) will open or break ground on 11 sports and recreation venues across the U.S. in 2026, with two major projects in Texas positioning the state as a hub for youth and community sports development.
In Commerce, Texas, the East Texas A&M University Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center is scheduled to open in late February 2026. The facility will host rodeos, concerts, and university-wide events, providing a modern venue for athletics and gatherings in the region.
Meanwhile, construction will begin on the Odessa Sports Complex in West Texas, which will introduce clusters of baseball and softball diamonds, multipurpose fields, and supporting amenities. The project is designed to create a regional destination for leagues, tournaments, and community recreation.
SFC operates more than 100 primarily municipally owned facilities nationwide, serving as an operating partner for owners once construction is complete. Its responsibilities include day-to-day management, programming, tournament and event bookings, marketing, and ongoing maintenance. The company’s SF Network reports more than 30 million annual guest visits.
Other 2026 openings across the country include youth and community sports complexes in Florida, Illinois, New York, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Groundbreakings in Alabama and additional Texas facilities are also planned.
SFC executives say more municipalities are turning to professional operators to manage complex facilities after construction, balancing operational expertise with municipal ownership as construction costs rise.
The company said its growth reflects continued demand for multi-purpose sports venues that support tournaments, community recreation, and year-round athletic programming.
