1) Its size and scope are unrivaled
How large is Spooky Nook Sports? More than 700,000 square feet on 14 acres, giving it the distinction as the largest indoor sports facility in North America. The planned Hamilton location is projected to be approximately the same size or larger and sit on a 42-acre site that has been vacant since Champion Paper successor Smart Paper shut its doors in 2012.
It features a 135-room hotel (The Warehouse Hotel), plus a restaurant and bar (Forklift & Palate). The same amenities are planned for Hamilton.
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2) It offers TONS of sports
At the existing Spooky Nook sports complex near Manheim, Pa., which is the largest indoor complex in the country, there are more than 20 different sports, including baseball, basketball, bubbleball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball.
There’s also cheerleading, fencing, gymnastics and martial arts, plus adult rec leagues for ultimate Frisbee, dodge ball, flag football and more.
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Credit: DaytonDailyNews
3) There’s more to it than just sports
Spooky Nook Sports also features attractions such as its arcade and rock climbing, and hosts numerous events, including conventions, wedding receptions, business expos, beerfests, 5K walk/run events, proms, parades and more.
The Spooky Nook Fitness Center offers over 60,000 square feet of workout space that includes LifeFitness equipment, Jacobs ladders, free weights, boxing rig, group exercise classes, pickle ball courts, 200 meter indoor track, child watch, member-exclusive turf field, ninja warrior training area and a free fitness orientation.
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4) It draws guests from hours away
The economic impact of Spooky Nook Sports is a approximately a 25-mile radius, drawing between 8,000 to 20,000 each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as it simultaneously hosts clubs, leagues, tournaments and championship events throughout every season. It also averages an additional 2,000-plus Monday through Thursday.
Of all the visitors in the United States, 60 percent hail from Pennsylvania, according to Spooky Nook. Other popular areas include New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
5) It’s economic impact is HUGE
Spooky Nook Sports had a nearly $55 million economic impact in 2017, with $15.5 million in revenue and $39.2 million in off-site ancillary spending by multi-day attendees, according to an economic impact summary.
Hamilton city and chamber of commerce officials project a similar impact for Spooky Nook at Champion Mill, with the city’s existing hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton, and the planned hotel across the street from the sports complex at capacity, and a “significant increase” to area hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, retail shops and other support uses in the city and across the county.
Local schools and Miami University also are expected to benefit by having first-class space available for intramural activities, sporting events and sports training opportunities, officials said.
And the county as a whole will benefit from the ability to host large conventions, a catalyst that sparks economic growth.
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