The Bastrop City Council and Bastrop Economic Development Corporation held a joint meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on the growing demand for sports facilities in Central Texas. The discussions highlighted the need for additional indoor and outdoor sports venues to accommodate the increasing number of tournaments and events in the region.

Key points from the meeting included insights from tournament operators who emphasized the shortage of large, dedicated sports centers. Facilities with more than 12 courts are particularly sought after for basketball and volleyball events, as current venues often struggle to meet the demand. The Arc Sports Center in Houston was cited as an example of a facility that frequently turns away requests due to high demand for court space.

The meeting also addressed the outdoor sports sector, with representatives from baseball and soccer organizations noting the necessity for more fields. A minimum of six fields is essential, with eight to twelve fields being optimal for attracting out-of-state teams. The representatives pointed out that Texas's favorable weather allows for year-round programming, but many facilities are already at capacity, limiting opportunities for new events.

Concerns were raised about the quality of existing fields, particularly in soccer, where poor maintenance and weather-related issues have led to canceled tournaments. The Lone Star Soccer Club expressed interest in expanding its operations to the East Side of Austin, highlighting the potential for new facilities in Bastrop to support their growing needs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent requirement for more sports facilities in Bastrop and the surrounding areas to cater to the rising demand for competitive events. The discussions set the stage for potential development projects aimed at enhancing the region's sports infrastructure, which could benefit local economies and attract more visitors to the area.