By Ali Yenchick
Construction at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is rapidly advancing, transforming the Pinellas Park, Florida, site into a premier destination for sports tourism and community recreation. Significant progress on key facilities, coupled with a major partnership announcement from the Tampa Bay Lightning, signals a new era for youth sports in the region.
The park is on track to become a cornerstone of the area’s sports landscape, and recent developments highlight the momentum building toward its grand opening.
Construction Milestones and Future Vision
On-site progress is visible and substantial. The foundational structures for the concession stand, pro shop, tiki hut, and offices are now built, offering a tangible glimpse of the park’s future layout. All lights for the diamond fields have been installed, preparing the venue for evening games and events. A crucial step in field development has also begun, as starts work on the drainage systems, with turf installation scheduled to follow this week.
This progress was showcased during a recent comprehensive site tour attended by representatives from Pinellas Park, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, and The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). General Manager Michael Nielsen led the tour, sharing his passion for the project’s vision.
“We are creating an environment where young athletes will not only compete but thrive,” Nielsen explained. “This isn’t just another sports park—this is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a place that will inspire big-league dreams, a place where memories will be made, and futures shaped.”
The park’s unique design includes six turf diamonds modeled after Major League spring training venues, complete with matching colors and logos scaled for youth play. These championship-quality surfaces will host tournaments, youth camps, and community festivals, establishing the complex as a hub for both competitive play and local connection.
Tampa Bay Lightning Announce $100K Donation for Hockey Rink
In a landmark announcement, the Tampa Bay Lightning revealed a $100,000 grant from the Lightning Foundation to support a new outdoor hockey rink at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park. This significant contribution enhances the park’s multi-sport offerings and deepens community engagement.
“The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Lightning Foundation are proud to support the Pinellas Park community through the reopening and enhancement of the outdoor hockey rink,” said Josh Dreith, Director of Community & Hockey Development for the Tampa Bay Lightning. “We look forward to seeing both youth and adults enjoy the game at this vibrant new park.”
The ball hockey rink will be a central feature of the complex, providing opportunities for athletes of all ages. This public-private partnership is a testament to the shared commitment to investing in the region’s youth.
City Manager of Pinellas Park, Bart Diebold, expressed his gratitude for the transformational grant. “This state-of-the-art facility will be a shining beacon of pride for Pinellas Park and the entire Tampa Bay region. Our greatest hope is that as kids step onto this rink, seeing that iconic Lightning logo, they’ll be inspired to dream big.”
The initial vision to renovate an existing sports complex evolved into this premier destination thanks to grants from the State of Florida and the . This funding also enabled the city to partner with The Sports Facilities Companies for the construction and management of the new complex.
A Destination for Community and Economic Growth
Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is designed to be more than a ballpark and more like a community destination. Amenities like a tiki bar and a standing drink rail overlooking the action will create social hubs for spectators. These features aim to deliver a complete entertainment experience, making the park a must-attend place for families and sports fans alike. Discussions are also underway to integrate local culture, such as murals by local artists, to give the facility a unique Pinellas Park character.
The partnership with a championship organization like the Tampa Bay Lightning further elevates the project’s impact. “The city of Pinellas Park and the Sports Facilities Companies are fortunate to be partnering with a championship organization…that provides such a positive impact to our community,” said Michael Nielsen. “This rink will provide a first-class opportunity beyond our field sports for youth development in the sport of hockey.”
Following a ceremonial groundbreaking on August 28, 2024, and the start of construction in December of that year, the project is progressing steadily. The grand opening for Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is currently slated for February 2026. This development underscores a powerful collaboration focused on driving economic impact and fostering community pride through the power of sports.
