The newly-opened Rantoul Family Sports Complex is expected to generate a lot of revenue for Champaign and neighboring counties. The past weekend drew several dozen teams for tournament play and that translates into teams and families spending a lot of time at motels, restaurants and other social gathering places. The complex officials and Rantoul leaders know it’s just the start of all kinds of economic benefits.

Paxton city officials are seeking input as to how they too, can market their community as a place visitors to the sports complex can also see and experience what Paxton has to offer. Other towns in close proximity to Rantoul are also anxious to piggy-back some the benefits. Sixty sports teams were in Rantoul for tournament competition on the first weekend. The complex offers baseball, softball, football, soccer and T-ball fields.

As the pandemic loosens its grip, the Visit Champaign County Group is eyeing huge revenues. The Rantoul Sports Complex is expected to generate up to $27-million annually.

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