ABOUT FUTURE CHAMPIONS
Future Champions Sports Complex: commitment to progress
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Located in Jacksonville, Illinois, Future Champions Sports Complex is preparing for its fifth season of baseball and softball tournaments on the 28-acre campus that includes six turf fields.
A group of individuals, including Adam and Kristin Jamison, purchased Future Champions at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Unfortunately, the gates to the complex were closed during what should have been the first 14 weeks of baseball and softball competition during its inaugural season. After striving to remain viable through a couple of challenging years, the Jamisons are working to enhance the experience at Future Champions through renovations that will allow for increased food, drink and gaming, as well as the addition of elite-level baseball tournaments to its spring/summer schedule.
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Beyond heightening the competition offered at Future Champions, the Jamisons are intent on elevating the experience of visitors to the complex. A newly renovated building in proximity to Field 6 now houses a restaurant, bar, arcade and gaming area.
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“During our last three seasons, we were receptive to the needs of our customers, offering a robust concession stand that also included refreshments for adults,” said Managing Owner Kristin Jamison. “But we realized that we needed more shelter for our athletes and families during inclement weather, as well as increased amenities to make the experience more enjoyable for all at Future Champions. The renovated warehouse has proven to be a game changer for us and our visitors.”
The event space includes a climate-controlled restaurant and bar, a large space with arcade games, a private adult gaming area and additional ADA-accessible restrooms. Open year-round, portions of the space can be rented for private or semi-private parties, depending on tournament schedules.
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Future Champions Sports Complex is an integral part of the economic vitality of the Jacksonville region. In working with the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, its economic impact on the Jacksonville region through lodging, shopping and dining activity in 2021 is conservatively estimated at $5 million. The Jamisons believe that number will be increased dramatically with the upgrades being planned for the sports complex and the addition of Perfect Game tournaments which will attract a greater number of teams from outside of Illinois.
“Jacksonville is among the fastest growing towns in the area when it comes to sports tourism, and Future Champions Sports Complex is the chief driver in that niche for us,” stated Director of the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Brittany Henry. “Visitors are choosing to visit our community for multiple days to play softball and baseball. They are enjoying a good time at the fields, but also exploring Jacksonville’s unique shopping and dining options while here.”
"We are always working to improve our offerings at Future Champions,” Adam Jamison said. “We thank our community leaders, sponsors and local teams for their past support in our business. We appreciate their continued support as we look forward to strengthen our food and entertainment venue for our sports families, as well as the Jacksonville-area public.”
TALK TO US
5 Kelly Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650
217.370.3469