Oneida County is inviting businesses to submit proposals aimed at transforming a former U.S. Air Force hangar in the Griffiss Business & Technology Park into an expansive indoor sports, recreation, and tourism complex. The initiative was announced by County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. following the issuance of a Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) on January 27. The proposed complex, named The Runway, aims to convert the underutilized Building 101 into the state’s largest multi-sport facility and the second largest in the nation.
Picente emphasized the incredible potential of Building 101, stating, “With more than 400,000 square feet of column-free space, this project has the potential to redefine Griffiss as a premier sports tourism destination, generate year-round economic activity, and build on the tremendous momentum we’ve already created with facilities like the Nexus Center and Murnane Field.”
Oneida County’s vision for The Runway encompasses various features, including indoor fields and courts, fitness and wellness amenities, classrooms, and spaces for programs, as well as an elevated track. Additionally, the project may include outdoor tournament fields and related commercial developments. The facility is designed to host tournaments, league play, training camps, and community programming, capitalizing on the growing trends of sports-based tourism and youth and amateur competitions.
“This is not just about sports,” Picente reiterated, underscoring the broader implications of the project. “It’s about economic development, tourism, job creation, and long-term activation of Griffiss.” The county is actively seeking partners with the vision and financial capability to bring this world-class facility to life.
The county is open to a variety of development models, including public-private partnerships, long-term operating agreements, and hybrid developer-operator structures. They are encouraging potential partners to propose innovative and sustainable strategies that ensure The Runway’s success and competitiveness.
Interested parties are advised that the evaluation of RFI responses will consider several criteria, including the overall vision, alignment with county goals, experience, financial capacity, feasibility, and innovation. While the county is not obliged to award a contract based on the RFI, it aims to identify qualified partners for future developments, potentially leading to a Request for Proposals (RFP).
Proposals need to be submitted by April 9, with inquiries directed to the county’s Planning Department. This ambitious project symbolizes a significant step forward for Oneida County, promising not only to enhance recreational opportunities but also to boost the local economy and attract tourism to the region.