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ISSUE 127
THE PODIUM ANOTHER REASON FOR SPOKANE TO FEEL PROUD BY ERIC JOHNSON
Y
ears ago, I sat in a board meeting for the Spokane County Parks commission and heard a “pitch” for development of the north bank across from Riverfront
Association to provide funding. The actual dollars were generated from a one-time contribution from the city of Spokane while leveraging a state sales tax rebate and lodging taxes. The total funds to
post scores and video for several events at once. To say track people covet this facility is an understatement. In its first track meet, several records were broken, leading some to declare it to
Park in Spokane. The location boasted a giant basalt rock and some brick buildings constructed
construct: $53 million, with the hopes that if you build it they will come.
be one of the fastest tracks in the US. The attention to detail helped secure the 2022
in the early 20th century. Being in real estate, I agreed that the current use was not the “highest
The first quarter of operations has just ended and by any standard the numbers have far
National Indoor Track Championship tournament. But wait, it’s not just all about track. The
and best” of the location. The Podium was the name of the project
exceeded expectations with an economic impact of $15,346,875. The first year is estimated to
facility has already hosted an volleyball tournament (PNQ), and will be the site for a USA
and the proponents posed a strategic use that was unique. This facility was going be one of
produce $35M in economic impact. At this pace, the Podium is scheduled to pay for itself within 2
Wrestling tournament and the 2022 USA Karate national championships. Not bad for the first year!
three west of the Mississippi to offer the utility and meet the standards for NCAA competition. It also
years; virtually unheard-of for a public facility. Well done, Spokane Sports!
Overall, this development should be the model for all organizations who want to plan, fund and build
could be used for volleyball, basketball and wrestling events. The plan seemed logical and ambitious and then of course was the question: who was going to pay for this? Spokane Sports, the organization that spearheaded this development, worked with several entities including Spokane County Parks, Spokane Public Facilities District, Spokane County, Spokane Parks and Hotel/Motel
The amount of thought that went into this facility for track is a testament to the planners. Some of its unique characteristics: 1) The hydraulic track is one of the only tracks in the US that can retract in time for runners to run out flat on one side. 2) The practice track is below the stands away from the main track and spectators, which allows athletes to focus better. 3) The audio/video system is one of few that is able to
a public facility.
Spokane Sports spokanesports.org/podium