“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.

The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.

Heineman is the co-owner of Sporting KC, the parent organization of Sporting Kansas City, and one of the club’s five principal owners, according to https://www.sportingkc.com/club/ownership/robb-heineman/.

This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.

“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”

“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”

“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”

“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said  Harrington.

“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”

In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.

“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.

One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.

“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.

Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.

A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.

Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”