Ocean City Council Approves New Sports Complex Site

Ocean City, MD - The Ocean City Mayor and City Council voted unanimously today to move forward with a purchase contract for about 198 acres of land. The land will be used to build a regional sports complex.

The vote was 7-0. It marks a big step forward for a project the Town has been planning for more than a decade.

The new site sits about three miles west of the property once considered near Stephen Decatur High School. It offers nearly twice the acreage of that original site.

The extra space gives planners more room to design the complex, add supporting infrastructure and plan for future growth.

"This is an important milestone for a project that has been carefully evaluated for more than a decade," said Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director. "The additional acreage gives us an opportunity to thoughtfully plan a complex that can meet the long-term needs of our community while creating a new economic driver for Ocean City and Worcester County."

Ocean City has been working with the Maryland Stadium Authority throughout the process. More than 100 properties were reviewed.

Officials looked at things like distance from Ocean City, available land, zoning, utilities, transportation access and cost.

During Tuesday's meeting, the Mayor and Council also confirmed the sports complex will not be paid for using property tax money. The Town plans to use occupancy tax revenue set aside for the project, along with state funding and other sources.

The complex is planned as a regional indoor and outdoor sports destination. It is meant to host tournaments and events, and bring visitors to Ocean City outside of the busy summer season.

The project is also expected to create opportunities for local schools, youth sports and community programs.

With Council's approval to move forward with the purchase contract, the Town will continue working with the Maryland Stadium Authority. Next steps include more planning, due diligence and development work.

"This project has always been about strengthening Ocean City's future," Perlozzo said. "Sports tourism gives us an opportunity to diversify our tourism economy, create demand during traditionally slower periods and invest in an amenity that can benefit residents and visitors for generations."