Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Will there be an impact on all of Springfield when the new Scheel’s sports park goes up — or, starts to — in just a matter of weeks?

Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady tells the WTAX Morning Newswatch says it will be bigger than you think.

“It’s going to impact the whole city,” said McCrady.  “Not everyone will be able to stay at the sports complex.  There’s one hotel and one being constructed right now.  I think what you’ll see is a whole lot of people going around town with athletic team uniforms on, kind of like when we used to host the high school rodeo here.

McCrady says if a calendar is any indication, that will be another sign of big economic impact.

“The mayor announced at the State of the City Address that all but two weekends are booked with activities in 2026,” said McCrady.  “Get ready.  We’re going to have visitors coming, and hopefully all of our businesses will be able to take advantage of all those people in town with their wallets ready to open them up.”

McCrady says what, so far, will be the world’s largest inflatable sports dome will start to get air in it soon.

“The team’s on site right now, and they’re getting ready to inflate the sports dome, probably, around June 20,” said McCrady.  “When I say inflate, that’s when they actually turn the blowers on.  There’s a lot of work that goes on before then.”

McCrady says will take a couple days, at which time lights will be installed, and other work will be completed.