Launched in 2017, the DE Turf Sports Complex quickly fulfilled the mantra “if you build it, they will come,” blowing past economic expectations for its first year.
That winning streak continues with a $3 million boost from the Delaware Tourism Office. That money will enable the mid-Atlantic’s largest all-synthetic-turf venue to double its stadium capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 seats and construct a 5,500-square-foot state-of-the-art locker room with an adjoining tournament ceremony room that can accommodate up to 150 award winners and spectators.
“These new facilities will help us to host college and professional events. It’s the one part that we’ve been missing,” says Dan Yearick, director of DE Turf and head men’s lacrosse coach at Delaware Technical Community College.
Construction began earlier this year, with plans to complete the project ahead of the 2026 summer sports season.
The 84-acre complex in Frederica is already an international destination. Last year, teams from as far afield as New Zealand played at DE Turf, as well as those from Canada and 44 U.S. states.
“We hosted the Super Cup, an international soccer tournament for 105 teams, most from South America,” Yearick says. “With the expansion, we are looking to bring bigger and better events, including NCAA, semiprofessional, and professional events, here.”
Visiting teams and their supporters are also helping the hospitality industry in all three counties.
“Clearly, DE Turf is great for Kent County, but it’s also great for New Castle and Sussex,” Yearick says. “People who want to be near Philadelphia airport tend to stay in Wilmington. There also are visitors who want to enjoy the beaches in the southern part of the state.”
In Delaware, direct spending of $258 million on sports tourism generated $400 million in total business sales for the local economy, according to an analysis by Tourism Economics commissioned by the state tourism office. That spending supported more than 3,000 part-time and full-time jobs and generated $20 million in state and local taxes.
“Sports tourism is a significant economic driver in our state, attracting thousands of visitors to Delaware each year and generating millions of dollars in revenue,” according to a statement from Jessica Welch, director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “We are pleased to be able to support these facilities in their expansion efforts. This funding will go a long way in ensuring that our state can offer top-notch facilities to teams and event operators for years to come.”
So where will DE Turf be in five years? William Strickland, chair of the sports complex and a founding executive board member, predicts continued growth for the venue, as well as the surrounding area.
“I see us as a preeminent youth sports complex on a national scale, not just the mid-Atlantic,” he says.
DE Turf rents out its 12 lighted playing fields on an hourly basis for events such as birthday parties and company team building. Even though the tournament room has yet to open, there have been inquiries to reserve the space for banquets.
“I see us diversifying the use of the asset. Car shows, boat shows, battle of the bands,” Strickland says.
While development of new restaurants and hotels was slowed, in part, by the COVID-19 pandemic, he foresees growth in family-friendly destinations for the area.
“We want to be an economic catalyst for the South Dover-to-Milford corridor. It might look like a water park and additional hotels and restaurants. Improving the surrounding area is an important part of the mix,” he says.
DE Turf is a nonprofit operated by Kent County Regional Sports Complex Corp. In addition to the Super Cup, played on Memorial Day weekend, DE Turf has hosted such large-scale events as the Adrenalin Gold Cup, a premier lacrosse event, and Shooting Star, a field hockey tournament for players ages 10 to 35 and over.
With so many gifted athletes gathering at a single venue, it isn’t surprising that DE Turf has become a destination for scouts looking to recruit top players.
“We have upward of 100 college coaches at our events,” Yearick says. “If you’re after great players, this is a great place to find them.”
For more information, visit deturf.com.
