Hillsborough moves forward with indoor sports arena near MOSI

Driving the news: The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with the Tampa Sports Authority last week, along with an additional $3 million in funding to support the project.

• The proposed sports arena now enters the design phase with a budget of $5 million, $2 million of which comes from BP Oil Spill settlement money.
• It is expected to cover 175,000 square feet and feature 12 basketball courts and 24 volleyball courts, with the possibility of a private ice rink and a splash pad.

Flashback: The board directed staff last year to explore potential sites for an indoor sports hub, envisioned as a year-round venue for youth tournaments and amateur events.

• Staff in May picked MOSI as the top contender. The museum stood out for its access to major roads, no land acquisition cost and the potential to repurpose old buildings.

The big picture: The Tampa Bay Sports Commission estimates that the complex will generate 44,000 hotel stays each year and contribute $24.5 million to local businesses.