By Ali Yenchick
Five years ago, the Highlands Sports Complex opened its doors and began transforming Ohio County into a regional powerhouse for youth and amateur sports tourism. Since opening, Highlands has generated over $167 million in economic impact, hosted over 280 tournaments, welcomed more than 283,000 athletes, and has drawn over 198,000 spectators—numbers that speak to both performance and the resilience of a community that rallied around a bold vision for sport-driven vitality.
From the outset, Highlands aimed to be different. It distinguished itself as the nation’s first WELL-Certified sports facility, earning Silver certification for a building designed to elevate guest health and well-being across key categories, including air, water, nourishment, light, and community—a pioneering benchmark in the sports venue world.
Strategically located on the Northern tip of West Virginia, the 200,000-square-foot complex features six hardwood courts, full-size indoor and outdoor turf fields, a play-climb family entertainment area, arcade, café, mezzanine seating, and meeting spaces—an amenity-rich destination designed for athletes, families, and fans alike.
From Pandemic Launch to Momentum
Highlands opened to the public in September 2020 under COVID restrictions, initially operating individual lessons and small-group rentals to keep programs alive and the venue sustainable. Tournament play returned with care in March 2021, and momentum surged into the next fiscal year as the community embraced both recreation and sports tourism programming.
Driven by The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), Highlands built the systems, staffing, brand, and pre-booked events necessary to thrive—laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and increased economic activity across Ohio County.
A Magnet for Elite Competition and National Recognition
Highlands has grown into a regional stage for elite youth competition. In 2023, the venue hosted Adidas 3SSB tournaments, bringing over 4,300 players, 5,500 spectators, and hundreds of college coaches, and generating over $5 million in economic impact—evidence of Highlands’ rising profile with top-tier event rights-holders.
That stature is reflected in national accolades: Highlands was voted 2nd nationally in the “All-Star Multi-Purpose Sports Venue or Complex” category in 2023 and 2025 and consistently ranks as a Top-Viewed and Top 3 Trending Facility on PlayEasy—fueling bookings and broadening awareness among teams and event organizers nationwide.
Highlands’ community integration reaches from grassroots to scholastic: in fall 2021, The Linsly School hosted 16 home varsity soccer games at Highlands, tapping the complex’s indoor/outdoor turf, LED lighting, and streaming amenities to elevate the athlete and spectator experience.
Economic Engine and Community Anchor
In 2024 alone, Highlands generated $23 million in economic impact—a staggering $15 million more than the previous year—a testament to smart programming, strong partnerships, and an increasingly robust event calendar.
Local leaders and businesses have repeatedly credited the complex with driving visitor traffic that boosts The Highlands’ hotels, restaurants, and retail, underscoring the venue’s role as a catalyst for the wider Wheeling area economy.
This past summer, Highlands hosted its 5-year celebration, “Stronger Together,” rallying the community in support of families impacted by Ohio County flooding. The event featured a free kids’ clinic and climbing, first responders’ recognition, a pickleball fundraiser, a local vendor fair, and a free roller derby match, with proceeds benefiting the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley’s Disaster Recovery Fund—an example of Highlands’ commitment to serving beyond the scoreboard.
By the Numbers: Five-Year Highlights
- Over $167 million in economic impact
- Over 280 tournaments hosted
- More than 283,000 athletes and over 198,000 spectators in attendance
- 2024 economic impact: $23 million, up $15 million year-over-year
- Adidas 3SSB (2023): 4,300 players, 5,500 spectators, hundreds of college coaches, $5 million+ impact
- National recognition: 2nd nationally in All-Star Multi-Purpose Venue category (2023 & 2025)
- PlayEasy: Top-Viewed Facility and Top 3 Trending Facility (2023–2024)
- WELL-Certified Silver—the first sports facility in the U.S. to achieve WELL certification
Looking Ahead: A Data-Driven Future
Highlands continues to innovate and invest in its future. The complex is focused on leveraging smarter data and building stronger partnerships to enhance its offerings. A beta test with Fastbreak/SEQL will provide deeper insights into visitor origins and lodging patterns, allowing for more targeted tourism marketing and event strategies.
Combined with SFC’s continued expert management and planned capital investments, Highlands is poised to build on the incredible success of its first five years. The complex is poised to expand its impact, enhance the guest experience, and remain a vital community asset for years to come.
