In 2017, the citizens of Janesville, Wisconsin, were surveyed to gauge their interest in a new indoor sports complex. The result? A resounding “yes.” One of our properties, Uptown Janesville, submitted an RFP to be considered as the location for the project. Fast forward to today, and the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center project is officially underway.
About Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center
The 136,000-square-foot sports complex will be located on the Milton Avenue side of Uptown Janesville, replacing the old Sears location. A $40MM development, the center will feature a year-round ice rink with a 1,200-spectator capacity to host ice hockey, skating and other activities for the community. An additional 250-seat arena will contain an adjustable space featuring ice, hardcourt flooring and indoor turf to host a variety of sports and events throughout the year.
Walk down the hallway connecting the Woodman’s Center to Uptown Janesville, and you’ll find 25,800 square feet of flex space able to host conventions, trade shows, banquets and various community events. There will also be room for basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball and an open gym for the Janesville community to enjoy.
Looking Ahead
With an expected completion date of summer 2025, the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center will host the Janesville Jets and other youth sports teams, fostering the next generation’s talent and bringing hundreds of spectators to the complex and Uptown Janesville. The center’s flex space will attract organizations from across Wisconsin and the country, ultimately resulting in an estimated $23MM economic impact and 228 full-time jobs for the city of Janesville.
RockStep Capital recognized the Janesville community’s desire for the center and donated the 7.2-acre parcel of land to the city of Janesville. Publicly owned and operated by the city, the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center will be Rock County’s go-to gathering place. We’re honored to contribute to a project that the people of Janesville have been looking forward to for years, and we eagerly await its grand opening.
Although the retail real estate industry is constantly evolving, our commitment to improving the communities we invest in is something that will never change.