The official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Kentucky Sports Factory in Madisonville on Saturday marked a significant milestone for the community, highlighting the transformative potential of this state-of-the-art facility in providing top-tier sports amenities, events, and programs.
The three-hour event featured local leaders such as Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton, Hopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Kentucky Sports Factory General Manager Brett Roddy, and representatives from the Sports Facilities Companies.
Cotton and Whitfield both highlighted the city and county partnership and working together as the most exciting aspect of bringing this facility to life. Mayor Cotton expressed that their vision for the facility was to create a space that could be utilized year-round, which is why they went with an indoor facility instead of an outdoor facility.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield noted that the facility encourages kids to be active and also boosts economic opportunities.
click to download audioCotton mentioned that they are already witnessing retail-related economic opportunities.
click to download audioWhitfield added that as more retail businesses enter the community, it will attract additional industries, demonstrating that success breeds success.
click to download audioGeneral Manager Brett Roddy stated that since the facility’s soft opening on January 15th, they have hosted several tournaments and the community has been able to utilize the facility.
click to download audioAssistant General Manager TJ Phaep highlighted some of the daily activities available to the community.
click to download audioThe 90,000-square-foot Kentucky Sports Facility features six hardwood basketball courts convertible to 12 volleyball or 22 pickleball courts, a 60-yard indoor turf soccer field, batting cages, concessions, a modern kitchen, party rooms, and office spaces. It can host sports events and community gatherings like birthday parties and corporate meetings
