City of Charlotte Plans New Sports Complex
Occupying nearly 30 acres at the city-owned Eastland Yards, Eastland Sports Campus (ESC) will have indoor and outdoor facilities.
The outdoor complex will include six full-size multipurpose athletic fields, with a strong emphasis on soccer programming through a premier local soccer partner, while remaining flexible for other athletic uses and event conversions. The campus will also include walking and bike paths and expansive green space.
The 100,000-square-foot indoor facility will include courts that can be used for basketball, volleyball or other sports; health and wellness offices; an academic learning center; a STEM lab; and food and beverage stations.
ESC was approved by the City Council in September 2023 and is seen as a new hub for youth and amateur sports in Charlotte and an economic driver for the region.
The ESC team includes EDGE Sports Global, Charlotte Soccer Academy and Bolton, Ivory & Cantey LLC. It is expected to open in late 2028.
University of Hartford Plans Sports Complex
The project reflects UHart's continued investment in strategic initiatives that prioritize the student experience, while expanding access to recreational and wellness resources for the entire community.
The highly visible new facility will allow UHart to expand its rapidly growing club and intramural sports offerings, with the addition of outdoor tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts. It will also provide additional training and competing space for the University's intercollegiate NCAA Division III student-athletes. The University relaunched its men's and women's tennis programs in Fall 2025.
The complex will house six tennis courts, with one lined to accommodate four pickleball courts, and one basketball court. Lighting installations will allow for play at all times of day.
In recognition of distinguished alumnus Vin Baker, the greatest men's basketball player in the University's history, the new complex will be named in his honor. Baker's collegiate basketball career at UHart was a defining chapter in his life and legacy, and the complex will be a symbol of his spirit, contributions, and resilience.
Utes Open New Baseball Stadium
After 30 years playing off-campus, Utah Baseball will play it’s home-opener at a ballpark on its own campus.
Friday night marks the long-awaited debut of Charlie Monfort Field At America First Ballpark, as the Utes host Grand Canyon in the inaugural game at the new facility — the first of a four-game opening series that runs March 6–9 in Salt Lake City.
Head coach Gary Henderson said the significance of the weekend isn’t lost on anyone inside the program.
“We’re thrilled to be at home this weekend and finally open up the new ballpark,” Henderson said. “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re grateful to Mark Harlan, President Randall and all our community supporters who helped make this happen.”
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