Two prominent indoor sports complexes in Litchfield County, Connecticut, are currently up for sale, offering valuable investment opportunities in the sports entertainment sector or alternative commercial ventures. The two properties—The Connecticut Sports Arena in New Milford and Courtside Sports Center in Harwinton—are being sold at attractive prices and are expected to draw significant interest from potential buyers, especially those interested in capitalizing on the booming market for recreational sports facilities.
The Connecticut Sports Arena, listed at $6.9 million, is a well-established facility that has served as a hub for youth and adult sports programs in basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and volleyball. The arena has been a staple in the community since it was co-owned by Matt Chila and Nelson Mingachos in 2009. It features a variety of amenities, including a workout area, a mezzanine viewing level, and plans to expand with the addition of pickleball courts. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of pickleball, a sport that has seen a surge in interest across the United States. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the arena has bounced back strongly, aided in part by a Paycheck Protection Program loan that helped it weather the temporary closures. The facility’s established reputation and its broad offerings in multiple sports make it a prime location for continued success.
On the other hand, the Courtside Sports Center in Harwinton, listed at $2.75 million, provides another promising investment opportunity. This facility boasts a range of amenities, including a field house for various sports activities, batting cages, and restaurant buildings. The combination of sports and food services allows Courtside to cater to a wide variety of patrons, further broadening its potential for growth. With its comprehensive facilities, Courtside has the potential for continued use as a sports center or could be repurposed for alternative commercial activities, making it a versatile asset.
According to Michael Dimyan, the listing broker for both properties, demand for sports complexes like these is at an all-time high. This is largely driven by the rising popularity of youth sports programs, private training sessions, and recreational activities such as pickleball. As more families seek accessible venues for sports participation, the demand for indoor sports complexes has surged, particularly in areas like Litchfield County. These sports facilities offer a vital community service and generate significant interest from parents and athletes alike.
However, beyond their current use, both properties also hold considerable potential for alternative commercial applications. As the market for large commercial properties in western Connecticut remains tight, with limited availability and high construction costs, the sports complexes could be repurposed for industrial uses such as manufacturing or warehousing. This flexibility makes the properties especially attractive to investors who are looking to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on the high demand for commercial real estate in the region. The ability to reconfigure the spaces for different purposes adds another layer of value, especially as businesses in other sectors seek large spaces with room for expansion.
The sale of these two sports complexes is particularly timely, as Connecticut’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic, and commercial real estate markets adjust to new trends and demands. With the limited supply of large commercial properties in the area, these complexes offer a rare opportunity for investors looking to acquire valuable assets in a desirable location. Additionally, the ongoing demand for sports-related facilities—spurred by trends like the increasing popularity of fitness activities, recreational sports leagues, and private training—ensures that these properties will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
While sports facilities continue to serve as the primary use for these properties, their adaptability for other commercial ventures provides an attractive selling point. The flexible nature of these complexes, combined with the strong demand for sports and recreational activities in Connecticut, positions both listings as potential goldmines for savvy investors. As the region’s commercial real estate market continues to evolve, these properties are likely to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of Litchfield County and beyond.