Oneida County Executive Proposes Massive Sports Complex

One of the largest youth sports facility proposals in the country was unveiled on Tuesday during the Oneida County State of the County address at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York’s Mohawk Valley.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. is proposing a 400,000 square foot multi-purpose indoor sports and recreation facility at Griffiss International Airport. Dubbed “The Runway,” the facility would host tournaments for lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, flag football, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, wrestling and gymnastics.

“All aspects of tourism are a gigantic and vital part of our economy,” Picente Jr. said. “We already know we can bring people here from all over the country and the world and we need to embrace and strengthen this reality. The Runway and its many attractions will do just that. This will be the largest facility of its kind in New York State and the second largest in the nation.”

The proposal is a new direction for the vacant hangar space at Griffiss International Airport. The airport is best known in the region as being the former site of Griffiss Air Force Base which closed in 1995, as well as the site of the Woodstock ’99 music festival.

On top of the recreation component, Picente said the County will plan for many other amenities to be included, such as lodging, cafes, restaurants and the possibility of a distillery and brewery.