Jonesboro Announces First Community Bank Sportsplex Naming Deal, Launching Four Point Five Million Dollar Youth Sports and Tourism Complex Set to Transform Arkansas Recreation Infrastructure: All You Need to Know

Written By: Ananya Dey

Ananya Dey

I amAnanya Dey, a Journalism and Mass Communication postgraduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Honours). I am passionate about travel, writing, and research, with a strong interest in storytelling and content creation.

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June 28, 2026 23:13 GMT+5:30

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A transformative sports infrastructure project has been officially unveiled in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as the Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission and First Community Bank announced a long-term naming rights agreement for the city’s upcoming premier athletic facility.

Under the agreement, the existing Ridge Athletics Center will be renamed the First Community Bank Sportsplex, marking a 15-year partnership valued at approximately $4.525 million. The initiative represents one of the most significant investments in youth sports, tourism development, and community recreation infrastructure in Northeast Arkansas.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend in the United States where municipalities and private institutions work together to develop large-scale sports tourism assets that contribute to local economic growth and community engagement.

A State-of-the-Art Multi-Sport Facility Designed for Regional Impact

Scheduled to open in early 2027, the First Community Bank Sportsplex will span approximately 200,000 square feet and function as a regional hub for competitive sports, recreation, and large-scale events.

The facility has been designed to accommodate a wide range of athletic and community activities, including:

• Space for up to 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts
• A 40,000-square-foot Olympic-class natatorium
• Competition and training swimming pools
• 1- and 3-metre diving facilities
• Seating capacity for more than 1,200 spectators
• An outdoor aquatics recreation zone
• A 35,000-square-foot multi-use event centre

This multi-functional design positions the Sportsplex as a year-round destination capable of hosting regional, state, and national sporting events.

Expanding Jonesboro’s Role in Sports Tourism and Economic Development

The development of the First Community Bank Sportsplex is expected to significantly strengthen Jonesboro’s position as a competitive sports tourism destination within Arkansas and the broader southern United States.

Sports tourism is increasingly recognised by economic development authorities and local governments as a key driver of:

• Hotel occupancy growth
• Restaurant and retail spending
• Job creation in hospitality and services
• Regional visitor inflows for tournaments and events

By attracting tournaments, training camps, and athletic competitions, the facility is expected to generate sustained economic activity for the surrounding region.

Long-Term Partnership Built on Community Investment

The naming rights agreement between Jonesboro officials and First Community Bank reflects a long-term commitment to community development and local economic strengthening.

The 15-year partnership underscores confidence in the project’s ability to deliver sustained value for residents, athletes, and local businesses. Community leaders have highlighted that early financial backing demonstrates strong regional support for the initiative even before the facility’s completion.

The bank’s involvement extends beyond naming rights, reflecting its broader role as a community-focused financial institution serving Arkansas and southern Missouri through relationship-based banking services.

Facility Designed for Large-Scale Tournaments and Regional Events

The Sportsplex has been engineered to support high-capacity tournaments and multi-day events, making it suitable for both youth and adult competitive sports.

Key design priorities include:

• Flexible indoor court configurations for multiple sports
• Advanced aquatic training and competition infrastructure
• Integrated event hosting capabilities
• Accessibility for regional and interstate visitors
• Scalable facilities for training camps and seasonal leagues

These features ensure that the venue can accommodate simultaneous sporting events while maintaining professional-grade standards for athletes and spectators.

Leadership Perspective on Economic and Community Value

Local officials from the Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission have emphasised that the partnership reflects strong confidence in the project’s long-term impact on the region’s economy and quality of life.

The Sportsplex is expected to:

• Enhance community recreation opportunities
• Expand youth sports participation
• Support tourism-driven economic growth
• Strengthen Jonesboro’s regional identity as a sports destination

By combining recreational infrastructure with tourism development strategy, the project aligns with broader municipal planning goals focused on sustainable urban growth.

Role of Community Banking in Regional Development

First Community Bank plays a significant role in supporting local economies through financial services tailored to individuals, families, and businesses across Arkansas and southern Missouri.

Its participation in the Sportsplex project reflects a broader commitment to community development initiatives that extend beyond traditional banking services. The partnership highlights how local financial institutions can contribute to long-term infrastructure projects that benefit public welfare and regional growth.

Managed by a National Sports Facility Operator

Once completed, the First Community Bank Sportsplex will be operated by a specialised facility management organisation with experience in large-scale recreational and sports infrastructure across the United States.

This management structure is intended to ensure:

• Professional scheduling and event coordination
• High operational efficiency for tournaments
• Maintenance of facility standards
• Strategic event marketing and tourism outreach

Such management models are increasingly used in public-private sports complexes to maximise utilisation and economic return.

Positioning Jonesboro as a Regional Sports Destination

The Sportsplex is expected to enhance Jonesboro’s visibility within the competitive sports tourism sector by attracting visitors from across Arkansas and neighbouring states.

With its combination of aquatic facilities, indoor courts, and event infrastructure, the complex is positioned to host:

• Regional championship tournaments
• Youth sports leagues and training programs
• Community recreation events
• Multi-sport competitions and conventions

This diversification ensures year-round usage and consistent visitor engagement.

Conclusion: A Transformational Investment in Community Sports Infrastructure

The naming rights partnership between the Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission and First Community Bank marks a major milestone in the development of the First Community Bank Sportsplex, a large-scale athletic and community facility set to open in 2027.

With its extensive sports infrastructure, aquatic facilities, and event capabilities, the project is expected to play a key role in expanding youth sports participation, strengthening tourism, and supporting regional economic development in Northeast Arkansas.

As one of the most significant recreational investments in the region, the Sportsplex represents a long-term commitment to community growth, athletic development, and economic opportunity.