Ground broken on Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex

WESLEY CHAPEL (FOX 13) - Wesley Chapel is being transformed into a sports lovers' paradise.

On Thursday, Pasco County broke ground on a $44 million project called Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex that is expected to draw high-level athletes from across the country to compete.

“Sports tourism is a $10 billion industry,” Pasco Commissioner Mike Moore told FOX 13. “Pasco is now going to have our share of that.”

Plans for the complex include a 100,000 square-foot gym to be used for basketball, volleyball, dance, martial arts, cheerleading, and other competitions.

It will also have five fields and an amphitheater for concerts and seminars.

“We are becoming known as a sports tourism destination and this just takes it to the next level,” said Moore.

When it's not in use for competition, the facility will be available for use by Bay Area teams. 

The complex will be built on Lajuana Blvd, just off State Road 54, near the Shoppes at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets.

The projected is expected to be finished by the fall of 2019.