Work on Spooky Nook Champion Mill continues; sports complex set to open by end of year
HAMILTON, Ohio (WKRC) - Spooky Nook Champion Mill is set to open in Hamilton by the end of 2021.
Project leaders say it will be the third largest sports complex in the world.
“It's certainly exciting to be a part of what’s happening in Hamilton,” Sam Beiler, founder of Spooky Nook Sports said.
The project broke ground in October 2018. It sits at the site of the former Champion Paper Mill. Once complete, it’ll consist of two buildings.
The sports complex will have an indoor and outdoor soccer field, 30 indoor courts, a fitness center and turf fields. The second building will have retail stores, restaurants, more than 200 hotel rooms and become the second largest convention center space in Greater Cincinnati.
“We kept it wide open because of the opportunity for corporate events or trade shows, and so, in a 90,000 square-foot area like this, we'll be able to produce those on a very efficient manner,” Beiler said. “Imagine 10,000 people a day walking around Hamilton and supporting the businesses that are here. That's the exciting part of what we're doing.”
City of Hamilton leaders are eager for the economic impact that Spooky Nook is expected to draw in.
“There's interest in Hamilton from businesses, entrepreneurs and developers that has never happened before,” said Dan Bates, president and CEO of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
“I think it diversifies our economy first and foremost. So getting into sports and recreation tourism is something that really will help the community economically in a lot of ways,” said Brandon Saurber, spokesperson for the City of Hamilton. “So those service jobs and certainly a lot of great jobs for our youth that will not only be offered here, but in the explosion of retail and service jobs and service amenities and retail amenities that are going to be coming to the community as a result of this project.”
The combination of both buildings will equal 1 million square feet and cost around $165 million.
Spooky Nook has begun the hiring process, but the majority of jobs will open late fall.
