Great communities build their futures through bold, strategic decisions. In October 2024, Dublin took one of those decisions, acquiring approximately 243 acres on the community’s west side for $44.6 million. The purchase includes SportsOhio, a sports complex that will anchor Dublin’s vision for a world-class Premier Athletic and Recreation Campus.
The man at the helm of this transformation brings an athlete’s perspective to facility management. Ohio State quarterback and MLB draft pick, Joe Bauserman will lead SportsOhio through its next chapter as the facility’s new General Manager. His journey from the field to facility management offers unique insights into what makes a sports complex truly exceptional.
“I was very fortunate to be coached and led by incredible people at Ohio State,” Bauserman stated. “The lessons I learned from Coach Jim Tressel, my quarterback coach Joe Daniels and my offensive coordinator Jim Bollman showed me how to lead and manage a diverse group of people. Those are things I apply every day at SportsOhio.”
From the Field to Economic Impact
SportsOhio spans 100 acres and features three distinct venues:
- Soccer First offers 80,000 square feet of indoor turf and six outdoor fields.
- Field Sports provides 64,000 square feet of indoor space for baseball, softball, lacrosse, football, volleyball and basketball.
- The Golf Center includes a 9-hole par-three course and a 36-covered bay and 100-open bay station range.
The SportsOhio complex already delivers a measurable economic impact to the City of Dublin. The Nike Challenge Cup alone, which will be co-hosted by SportsOhio and the City of Dublin facilities this year, drives $4-5 million in regional spending, with substantial hotel occupancy and increased restaurant and retail activity throughout the event. Multi-day tournaments like the Nike Challenge Cup create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the field, strengthening the City’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem and reinforcing the City’s position as a regional destination.
“What separates a truly great complex from just an average facility is the atmosphere, hospitality, safety and family-friendly environment,” Bauserman explained. “Most families who attend tournaments have one child who competes while the rest of the family needs spaces and activities to enjoy before, during and after events. SportsOhio, along with the new ideas we implement, will deliver on all these aspects.” That philosophy is shaping how the facility aims to deliver more than a competition venue, and instead offer a reason for families to come and stay beyond the tournament timelines.
The future of SportsOhio is bright. More than just a competition venue, the facility will serve a broad range of sports and family entertainment needs in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment—a true one-stop destination. “With top-tier fields, modern concessions, and well-designed parks, the complex would not only provide local families with a full, high-quality experience but also serve as a regional destination, attracting visitors and generating economic impact for the community,” Bauserman celebrated.
A Vision Shaped by Community
Dublin’s approach to the campus has been intentionally collaborative. The City worked with Planning NEXT and the SportsOhio Steering Committee—composed of local and regional stakeholders, such as Visit Dublin, Dublin City Schools, Dublin Youth Athletics and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission—to guide the project’s direction. The City plans to bring the final concept and design framework to City Council for adoption in March 2026, establishing the long-term vision and priorities for the site. A Strategic Park Plan phase will follow, incorporating detailed analysis, phasing and implementation strategies over the course of a year.
According to Jeremiah Gracia, Director of Economic Development for the City of Dublin, the SportsOhio complex is “designed to complement what already exists by supporting community-based programs, alleviating capacity constraints at other facilities and creating opportunities for partnerships that strengthen Dublin’s overall recreation ecosystem.” As the City continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses, “we’ve invested intentionally in infrastructure that supports the health and wellbeing of all,” he added.
Investment and Timeline
Dublin City Council’s 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Budget earmarks $3.8 million for SportsOhio in 2026. Visible improvements include parking lot upgrades, landscaping and environmental enhancements. Part of this budget will also fund design work for the Strategic Park Plan itself.
Over the next six months, residents can expect continued planning and coordination as the City moves into the Strategic Park Plan phase. The framework-first approach ensures alignment with the overall vision before the City makes targeted investments in specific amenities. Future improvements will roll out thoughtfully and strategically over the next 2 to 5 years.
Meanwhile, Bauserman is focused on the complex’s immediate growth while the long-term vision takes shape. “In the next six months, we will continue to grow SportsOhio by building our staff and expanding both our local leagues and select regional tournaments,” he says. “The outlook for the next few years is very exciting. I look forward to partnering with the City of Dublin to grow alongside future developments.”
Community First, Regional Draw Second
Dublin City Council remains intentional about how the campus serves residents first while supporting regional uses. The facility prioritizes community access through resident-focused programming, partnerships with local schools and youth sports organizations and pricing structures that ensure affordability for Dublin families.
While regional tournaments support long-term financial sustainability, Dublin leaders remain clear about the campus’s primary purpose: serving residents.
The facility prioritizes:
- Resident-focused programming
- Sponsors that support partnerships with schools and youth organizations
- Affordable pricing structures
- Expanded access to leagues, camps and recreational activities
“We will always be mindful of pricing for local residents,” Bauserman noted. “When we have underutilized space, we will look to add select regional tournaments to help grow revenue and economic impact while keeping local access a priority.”
Building Dublin’s Economic Future
The Premier Athletic and Recreation Campus represents more than recreational amenities. It demonstrates Dublin’s commitment to quality of place, which attracts and retains businesses and talent. Companies consider quality of life factors when they choose locations and premier recreational facilities serve as powerful recruitment and retention tools.
“The complete vision for SportsOhio is a facility that serves all sports and family entertainment needs in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment,” Bauserman said. “With top-tier fields and modern concessions, the complex not only provides local families with a full, high-quality experience but also serves as a regional destination.”
This strategic acquisition aligns with Dublin’s broader economic development goals outlined in the West Innovation District and Envision Dublin Community Plan. Each initiative reinforces Dublin’s position as a community that plans thoughtfully, invests strategically and delivers results.
For more information about economic development opportunities in Dublin, visit www.ThriveInDublinOhio.com.
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