CREST HAVEN – The county commissioners have approved a lease agreement with a company planning to build a domed sports complex at Cape May Airport – an agreement recognizing the county as the new landlord.
On June 24, the principals of Aviation Sports Complex, James Sutton and Robert Buglak, gave a presentation to the commissioners on their vision for the 100,000-square-foot structure without providing an explanation for the presentation.
Roughly two years ago, Aviation Sports Complex came to an agreement with the Delaware River and Bay Authority, current managers of the airport property, on a 20-year lease of the future sports complex site. But in 2024, the county determined it would not automatically renew its lease with the DRBA when it expires in 2029.
Faced with the county’s eventually becoming its landlord, Aviation Sports Complex presented its concept for a state-of-the-art sports facility last month. Sutton, who gave most of the presentation, said the complex would be located near the water tower and communications antenna at the site.
He said about 60,000 square feet would be dedicated to volleyball, pickleball and basketball courts, adding that the design includes 18 pickleball courts, which the developers hope will host tournaments.
The other 40,000 square feet would be outfitted with artificial turf for soccer and other field activities.
Sutton said there would be a mezzanine viewing section for fans and some stadium-style seating or bleachers. There would also be a high-end video system for recording events.
The facility will seek to be the site of tournaments to be played on weekends. During the week the complex would host local club teams. Sutton said there would be limited basketball tournaments as well – typically showcase tournaments.
He said that, essentially, no sports use would be off the table, including wrestling, jujitsu and cheerleading.
Sutton said the facility is expected to generate about $40 million in revenue over the course of the lease, the term of which was not disclosed. He said the best part for the county is that the entire project would not cost taxpayers anything.
“Not one cent will be paid by the taxpayers, and this fills a huge need, and creates a huge draw,” he said.
County Counsel Jeff Lindsay said an agreement would be drafted to say it would stand in the stead of the DRBA lease agreement. In January 2024, the DRBA agreed to the 20-year-lease with Aviation Sports Complex for 25 cents per square foot.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
