Southern Wisconsin Times

The City of Janesville, in partnership with various organizations, officially broke ground on the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center on February 20, 2024. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the site of the former Sears building in Uptown Janesville and was attended by key figures involved in the project.

City Manager Kevin Lahner highlighted the significance of collaboration in his speech, stating, "This project is about two things. Number one, it's the power of partnerships. The project will be a shining example of what our community can do when we all work together. Number two, it's about Janesville's grit. The resilience of the team that has shown to stay the course in the face of tremendous challenges is nothing short of amazing."

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its positive impact on the local and statewide economies. He stated, "This facility will bring unlimited opportunities to the Janesville area. This is exactly the type of project that supports our local and statewide economies."

Senator Tammy Baldwin also praised the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center, highlighting its potential to boost the area's economy and create numerous job opportunities. She remarked, "The Woodman's Sports and Convention Center will be an economic force for the entire area, creating and supporting more than 200 good paying jobs, driving tourism, and creating tens of millions of dollars in economic impact every single year."

Once completed, the 130,000 square foot facility is expected to attract sports teams, companies, and organizations for various events, contributing to job creation and economic growth in Janesville. The project is estimated to create 228 full-time equivalent jobs, $7.2 million in personal income growth, and $23 million in annual economic impact.

Construction is currently underway, with the anticipated completion date set for Spring 2025. For more information about the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center project, interested individuals can visit the City's website at janesvillewi.gov/woodmanscenter or contact the City Manager's Office at (608) 755-3177.