Westfield to pursue Professional Sports Development Area near Grand Park

The Westfield City Council heard an ordinance on Monday evening to pursue a Professional Sports Development Area (PSDA) in the Grand Park District.

This strategic initiative aligns with city officials’ vision to create a dynamic district that supports professional and youth sports, hospitality, and community-driven projects while generating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

A PSDA is a special district that allows local governments to capture new tax revenue – generated by sports facilities, hotels, and other commercial properties within the district – to fund infrastructure improvements and new sports facilities. This district enables communities to capture state income, sales, and specific local taxes, including income and innkeepers’ taxes, from designated parcels within a one-mile radius of a new development that serves one or more professional sports teams.

Willis

“Westfield has long been a hub for professional sports, and this initiative positions us to strengthen our economic future and tourism potential,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “The PSDA will enhance our status as a destination for world-class sports events and boost the local and state economy.”

The decision to pursue a PSDA stems from the city’s ongoing efforts to build upon the success of Grand Park, which has already become a premier location for sports and tourism in the country. Grand Park is home to the Indianapolis Colts training camp and the training facilities for both the Indy Eleven men’s and women’s soccer teams. Additionally, the city recently announced a new Grand Park District Master Plan, which includes the development of a new 10,000-seat stadium to anchor the district and bring the Indy Eleven women’s soccer team to Westfield.

City officials says the PSDA is expected to generate $92 million in new tax revenue for both the city and the state over the next 32 years. Importantly, the PSDA will not divert existing tax revenue from other city or state resources; instead, it captures new tax revenue generated by the district’s development. State officials has set a cap of $2 million per year for tax revenue captured by the local municipality, ensuring that the program remains sustainable and benefits both Westfield and Indiana.

This annual revenue will be reinvested into the district to fund additional sports infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, and commercial properties. This will create jobs, drive tourism, and attract new businesses, contributing to Westfield’s long-term economic growth.

Tamm

“We are building on our past successes to establish a vibrant sports district that will benefit our residents, attract tourism dollars, and strengthen the economy of both Westfield and Indiana,” City Council President Patrick Tamm said. “The PSDA will be a key element in transforming this area into a thriving, dynamic district that draws professional teams, events, and visitors from around the world.”

Mayor Willis added, “We are uniquely positioned to leverage our assets, including Grand Park, to create an ecosystem that supports professional sports, tourism, and economic development. With the PSDA, we are taking a forward-thinking approach to planning and development that will benefit not just Westfield but the entire region and the state of Indiana.”