Norwalk Central’s sports complex to be named the Gregg Young Chevrolet Auto Sports Campus

The auto company has 13 locations in the state, including one in Norwalk.

“Sponsors will get a lot of recognition,” said Tai Lieu, City of Norwalk marketing and communications specialist.

In addition, the north plaza that connects the outdoor turf sports fields to the city’s public recreation facility will be called the MidAmerican Energy Plaza.

“Partnering with one of Central Iowa’s ever-present stewards helps strengthen our efforts of bringing world-class entertainment, dining, retail and recreation opportunities to Norwalk," said Jake Shandri, managing partner of Sportsman Solutions, in a statement. "The MidAmerican Energy Plaza will be a cornerstone location between the City’s Public Recreation Facility and Outdoor Turf Sports Fields.

"When we entered youth sports 15 years ago, we made a commitment to provide every resource for our athletes to be successful," he added. "This campus will be for every age group to enjoy.”

The sports campus, which will cost $30 million, will measure 55,000-square-feet. It will be the centerpiece of the $300 million Norwalk Central development project. It is estimated the sports complex will see almost 900,000 visitors in its first year. There are already 35 tournaments scheduled.

Lieu said the facility will meet a geographical need.

“We don’t have a large, recreational complex that can host multiple sporting events,” she said. “So this will have basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer and baseball and softball. A lot of people in the community know what went into Waukee’s sports complex over there, but that is primarily baseball/softball turf. Here will be a multiplex facility.”

She noted there will be an indoor training center and athlete and player development programming.

“It’s going to bring tourism, more people to the businesses in Norwalk,” she said. "It’s another way for people looking to relocate to the suburbs of the Des Moines metro to have their footprint here.”

Another presenting sponsor will be announced after the next Norwalk City Council meeting is held, Lieu said.

The city broke ground on the development over the summer. This first phase of the campus, including two outdoor, multi-sport turfs, will debut in late April. Other sections are projected to open in late 2023 or early 2024. The completion of Norwalk Central is still several years away.

"The City of Norwalk is very thankful for the hard work and commitment of so many entities and individuals that are making Norwalk Central a reality. Norwalk has always had a fantastic relationship with MidAmerican Energy and we're pleased to partner with them yet again in another high-value community-minded project," said Hollie Zajicek, Economic Development Director in a statement. "Norwalk Central has taken more than five years to bring to life from concept to construction. Now we get to witness the development of the many exciting components that make Norwalk Central so unique including; retail, dining, sports, recreation, entertainment, lodging and tourist attractions.

"We're very grateful to all the generous sponsors who are helping make this dream come true for the community, state of Iowa, and future visitors," she added.