The multi-purpose indoor athletic facility under construction in downtown Rockford got a financial boost and a new name Thursday, thanks to UW Health.
What originally was called the Downtown Sportscore now will be known as the UW Health Sports Factory.
The parent company of Rockford’s SwedishAmerican Health System will pay roughly $1.9 million over a 10-year period to have its name and logo emblazoned on the building and various associated materials.
The facility, located along the Rock River, is a $24 million project of Rockford Park District, Winnebago County Regional Tourism Facility Board (WCRTFB), and City of Rockford.
Officials anticipate that events in the venue will result in $16 million in annual income for hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities. The Rockford Park District, which will operate the venue, already has arranged some two dozen tournaments.
The site was once an Ingersoll factory, and the shell of the former manufacturing facility remains in place today. When the project is complete next May, it will have 16 volleyball courts, 8 basketball courts 16 wrestling mats and 42 pickleball courts.
The 108,000-square-foot facility will seat up to 3,700 spectators. It will include a full-service sports bar and restaurant, five meeting rooms, trade show space, and a riverfront boardwalk and seating.
The 10-year naming agreement includes naming rights to the downtown facility, including logo incorporation within exterior signage, print materials, web exposure, and the opportunity for UW Health employees to use the facility for designated employee events.
The first installment of the naming fee will be $175,000, with subsequent increases tied to the local Consumer Price Index for an anticipated total of $1,938,248. The deal was brokered by Cleveland-based The Superlative Group.
In addition to the new name, a new website has also been launched. For information about UW Health Sports Factory, visit www.uwhealthsportsfactory.com.