This spring, the Village of New Lenox, Il, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex of New Lenox, a $70 million, 31-field complex designed by JLG Architects, with Sports Facilities Companies and Northern Builders. The new Sports Complex will be located at the crossroads of Interstates 355 and 80, next to Silver Cross Hospital, 45 minutes southwest of Chicago. Expected to open July 2025, the 100-acre outdoor sports complex will include a welcome center, 22 youth and 9 full-size baseball and softball fields, 11 soccer or multi-use fields, two full-service concession stands, a beer garden, playground, and 10 batting cages. Fenced-in fields will be adjustable to accommodate all ages of athletes, and an extensive drainage system will allow the turf fields to be ready for play just minutes after heavy rain. As part of the development, over 10 acres of prime real estate will be dedicated to restaurant, retail, and/or hotel use. An additional 68 acres will be available for further development in the area just north of Silver Cross, with a proposed 500-home subdivision east of I-355. With the capabilities to host regional athletic tournaments on the horizon, the Sports Complex is projected to have a $12 million economic impact in its first year, and $20 million by the third year. Once all phases are complete, the Complex is expected to draw in over 600,000 visitors annually from a multi-state region, with an expected annual economic impact of over $30 million.
*Drone construction image courtesy of J. Russ & Co.
