Sports venue-anchored mixed-use development has accelerated sharply, with 107 projects currently in some stage of development spanning professional and collegiate sports.
The RCLCo report breaks down the numbers: 49 developments have reached completion, 23 are under active construction and 35 remain in the planning phase.
A separate study by Klutch Sports Group and Royal Bank of Canada corroborated the momentum, identifying 37 sport-anchored mixed-use districts in North America during 2024 alone.
The model creates economic value for developers, cities, communities, team owners and fans by generating year-round activity beyond game days.
Several major professional teams are involved. The NFL's Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears all have plans in development. MLB's Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks are pursuing similar district initiatives.
MLS's Chicago Fire Football Club is part of the trend. The South Philly Sports Complex represents another significant venue-anchored development taking shape.
Salt Lake City and Nashville are developing experience districts. The model now includes collegiate sports, broadening the scope of these mixed-use projects.
This is no longer exclusive to elite clubs. Wrexham's Kop Stand project serves as an example, marking the first step in a wider masterplan to redevelop the club and align with local authority city plans.
The expansion of these sports and entertainment-anchored districts aligns with growing demand for lifestyle office space. Developers and planners see these integrated districts as defining real estate trends through 2040.
