Wilson Logistics Arena Explained

Stadium Name:Wilson Logistics Arena
Nickname:The Tackle Box
Coordinates:37.2525°N -93.2988°W
Address:3001 N Grant Ave
Springfield, MO 65803
Broke Ground:November 17, 2022
Opened:January 11, 2024
Owner:Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Operator:Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Surface:210' x 85' (indoor football)
Construction Cost:$29 million
Architect:BRP Architects
Project Manager:Killian Construction Co.
General Contractor:Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Seating Capacity:6,700[1]
4,500 (indoor football)[2]
Record Attendance:3,416
(June 1, 2024)
Tenants:Ozarks Lunkers (TAL) (2024-present)

Wilson Logistics Arena is a multipurpose arena in Springfield, Missouri located on the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. The stadium opened on January 11, 2024. The stadium replaced the Corwin Auto Arena.

History

Corwin Auto Arena

Corwin Auto Arena was built in the 1960s and served as a livestock arena until being torn down in November 2022. The area had a seating capacity of 2,200.[3] The Wilson Logistics Arena was constructed on the old Corwin Auto Arena land.

Wilson Logistics Arena

Wilson Logistics, a trucking company, secured 20-year naming rights for the arena for undisclosed price.

Although the arena was not completed yet, it was open for the 44th Annual Ozark Fall Farmfest on October 6-8, 2023[4] and the inaugural Springfield Auto Show on November 3-4, 2023.[5] The arena opened on January 11, 2024.[6]

Arena Usage

Sports

The stadium currently hosts the Ozarks Lunkers in The Arena League, which began in June 2024. The league agreed to a three-year lease with the stadium.[7]

Wilson Logistics Arena hosted the USA BMX National Championship Series from March 1-3, 2024.[8]

Events

The arena will be able to accommodate all types of events with the ability to have a concrete or dirt floor. The facility will be 100,000 square feet and designed for trade shows, concerts, and competitions.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: Hickman . Joe . Ozark Empire Fair visitors will notice a changing landscape at the fairgrounds . 30 July 2023 . KY3 . 26 July 2023.
  2. News: Cullinan . Mike . Arena football league selects Springfield for first team . 11 April 2023 . Springfield Business Journal . 17 March 2023.
  3. News: Hickman . Joe . Construction begins on arena at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds; Can Springfield win bidding wars for events? . 12 April 2023 . KY3 . 17 November 2022.
  4. News: Di Trolio . Reagan . Farmfest 2023 kicks off this weekend at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds with a brand new arena . 23 October 2023 . KY3 . 6 October 2023.
  5. News: Mieze . Marta . New cars, electric vehicles in spotlight this weekend at Springfield's new free auto show . 3 November 2023 . Springfield News-Leader . 3 November 2023.
  6. News: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds opens new Wilson’s Logistics arena . 15 January 2024 . KY3 . 11 January 2024.
  7. News: Wheeler . Wyatt D. . 'The Arena League' football is coming to Springfield in 2024. Here's what to know. . 11 April 2023 . Springfield News-Leader.
  8. News: Springfield lands BMX tournament with $1.3M economic impact . 23 October 2023 . Springfield Business Journal . 4 August 2023.
  9. Web site: NEW: Wilson Logistics Arena & Youth Ag Facility . Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Event Center . 11 April 2023 . OzarkFair1.