Last year we reported on efforts for a planned regional sports complex in Roseville (Kickstarter by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart, May 2014). In July, the project scored big when it brought on award-winning design and architecture firm LPA.

The firm, which was one of five to bid on the complex, recently moved to downtown Sacramento from Roseville after 15 years, and focuses on sustainable design and building practices. Compared to similar sports centers, the Roseville complex will use less water due to the artificial turf fields and landscaping LPA has planned.

Groundbreaking next fall should put the complex on track to open 10 to 12 artificial multi-use sports fields by 2018. A 2010 study conducted by Placer Valley Tourism showed the need for a youth sporting area in the region. There are 50,000 youth and amateur soccer players in the Sacramento region; combined with other sports like rugby, field hockey — even quidditch borne out of the Harry Potter mythology —  meaning Placer County parks are crowded and lack options for expansion.

Related: Status Check: Roseville Sports Complex

The bond structure is supported by a $4.50 fee (which rises to $6.50 per night in 2017) on hotel rooms in Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln — the Placer Valley Sports Complex and Tourism Marketing District. The two dozen hotels involved will likely benefit from more local sporting events: In 2014, the three top softball tournaments held in Placer County attracted over 10,000 hotel guests alone.

According to PVT, each year nearly 60,000 people already stay overnight in the southern portion of Placer County for tournaments and other youth sports, paying for some 27,000 room stays. An additional 25,000 rented rooms are expected annually after the complex is operational. The sports complex is expected to have an annual economic impact between $8 million and $12 million, stemming from spending on lodging, transportation, retail, restaurants and entertainment. PVT also says the project will have a significant impact on job creation for Placer County, which had an unemployment rate of 4.8 percent in April of this year.