COATESVILLE, PA — The City of Coatesville and IDG Development announced that IDG Development has purchased a 24-acre parcel from the City to make way for the construction of the National Sports & Events Center (NSEC), a state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena and special-events center featuring a world-class velodrome.
“The intention of the National Sports & Events project is to create real generational impact that will change lives,” says Crosby Wood, Project Manager and IDG Principal. “The venue will serve as an anchor that supports development and revitalization in the City of Coatesville. In addition to attracting world-class sports and entertainment, our plans include a strong focus on youth initiatives and school programs that foster character development, fitness, and sports participation.”
“The sale of the Flats and the construction of the National Sports & Events Center represents a major step for Coatesville’s future growth and addresses the region’s need for a multi-purpose facility that seats up to 3,000 people,” says Coatesville City Manager James Logan. “The project represents a significant piece of the City’s planning efforts to attract new development opportunities in the area. For the last six years we have worked with investors, local and state officials, and City Council to re-establish Coatesville as one of fastest-growing urban centers in the region. The project signals to investors, developers, and stakeholders that Coatesville can share the stage with other county success stories.”
Part of the economic ripple effect includes job creation, small business openings, youth engagement opportunities, tourism, increased foot traffic, and new tax revenue for future improvement projects, according to Logan.
As a unique feature, the NSEC will feature the east coast’s first worldclass indoor velodrome and second in the United States. It will replicate the renowned World Cycling Center Velodrome in Aigle, Switzerland.
“The NSEC addresses the rapid growth of cycling, an underserved Olympic sport that has become one of the most popular participation sports in the United States,” says David Chauner, IDG Principal and CEO World Cycling, LTD. “In addition to hosting regional, national and international cycling competitions, the velodrome will be a year-round center for youth development programs, amateur club and interscholastic racing and serve as the U.S. headquarters for the TeamTrak Cycling League.”
According to Brendan Quirk, CEO of USA Cycling, track cycling represents 60% of the available cycling medals at the Olympic Games, but access to velodromes across America is scarce. “The National Sports & Events Center will enhance USA Cycling’s effort to develop the Gold medalists of tomorrow, and will doubtlessly do wonders in introducing the sport of bicycle racing to youth in the community and across the east coast,” says Quirk.
“I am delighted to see the IDG group complete their acquisition of the Flats property,” says Joe DiSciullo, Coatesville Redevelopment Authority Chairman. “The City, RDA, and the buyers have been working diligently to bring this deal to fruition for several years. I am hopeful the project will become a centerpiece for redevelopment and economic revitalization in the City of Coatesville, attracting visitors, and giving residents an opportunity to have a first-class venue in the heart of downtown.”
The deal was financed through public and private funds through state and local development resources led by the Chester County Economic Development Council. Private equity, philanthropic investors from the national and regional cycling and sports community, as well as a $3.6 million state grant and a $5.4 million loan helped fund the project. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2025 with a projected competition date prior to the 2028 Olympics.
The venue will host events, entertainment, sports and family activities as core programming, in addition to cycling.
- Approximately 100,000 square-foot arena with 3,000+ permanent seats and 20,000 square-foot infield to host a variety of sports, tennis matches, concerts, expos, collegiate events and more
- North side will open to festival grounds for outdoor concerts and special events
- Athlete performance center and retail space
“The National Sports and Events Center will create positive economic impact for the City, serving as a draw for businesses and creating job opportunities,” says Fran Scamuffa, Coatesville City Council member representing the First Ward, where the project is located. “The beauty of our community is that we are one big family, all connected and all looking forward to seeing a project like this unfold, which will enable us to welcome visitors to see our City, learn about our history, and discover everything the City of Coatesville has to offer.”
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