Construction has commenced at the junction of Cliff Maus and Old Brownsville Road, a pivotal moment in transforming 46 acres of unused land into a $28-million versatile sports complex. This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the five-year journey to bring this facility to fruition.
Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo, a local pediatrician and the visionary behind this ambitious project, is the founder and president of Next Sports Company. Dr. Okonkwo shared his timeline for the complex, stating, “We anticipate the completion of Phase 1 by Fall 2024, with Phase 2 wrapping up by Spring 2025.”
The project has garnered notable support from city officials, who were impressed by Dr. Okonkwo’s detailed plan and dedication. In recognition of his efforts, the city has agreed to extend a $1.8 million grant as part of a five-year incentive agreement. Type B board president Leah Olivarri commended Dr. Okonkwo’s persistence, remarking, “He stuck with it. We thought it was a great project, and we were able to put some money in.”
Mayor Paulette Guajardo, however, emphasized the conditional nature of this financial support. She clarified, “There are specific milestones that must be met before any funding is allocated or dispersed.”
City Councilman Roland Barrera of Pct. 3 sees the project as a catalyst for economic growth in the area. He believes it will attract more restaurants and businesses, significantly boosting local tax revenue. Barrera pointed out, “This area has been undeveloped for decades, and I would venture to say, was probably generating less than $1,000 in ad valorem taxes.”
A vital feature of the sports complex will be a soccer stadium with a seating capacity 5,000. This stadium will become the home ground for the Corpus Christi FC Sharks, adding a new dimension to the city’s sports culture.
The development of this sports complex not only symbolizes a new chapter for the West Side of Corpus Christi and represents the culmination of years of planning, perseverance, and collaborative effort. As the project progresses through its phases, it stands as a testament to the potential of community-oriented development and the transformative impact of visionary leadership.