Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County, this field is also owned by Pima County. It used to be known as the Tucson Electric Park or TEP until 2010 when it was home to the Tucson Sidewinders. This complex was also used for The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox Cactus League games in March of every year. The Tucson Padres of the Pacific Coast League also occupied this arena from 2011-2013 throughout the team’s relocation to El Paso, Texas. Now, this is the home Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls during their preseason as well as the FC Tucson American soccer club’s home games (at their North Stadium) Finally, this stadium is also the host of the Desert Diamond Cup preseason soccer tournament (hosted by FC Tucson and New York Red Bull’s).
In 1991 the Pima County Board of Supervisors decided to adopt a resolution to create the Kino Sports Stadium. Construction started for this stadium on February 14, 1997 and took a little over a year to build, opening on February 27, 1998, costing approximately 38 million dollars. This is operated by Pima County Stadium District Located at 2500 E. Ajo Way, Kino Sports Complex covers 155 acres. The Stadium District maintains the land including facilities, grounds, personnel and the various services the venue needs. This stadium is also available to be privately rented through the Kino Sports Complex website. (www.kinosportscomplex.com).
The south complex fields are designed for baseball, with the north complex dedicated to soccer. Overall, there are seven full baseball field, 2 half fields, the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and three full service clubhouses and parking. The North complex includes four soccer fields, a Grandstand field with 1,000 seats, the North Stadium soccer field seating 2,3000 and a full-service clubhouse along with parking. All of these are wheelchair accessible.
The Complex has been used to hold many Spring Training games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but is primarily dedicated to soccer activities with a lighted 2,000-seat North Grandstand field. Along with that, there are four more soccer fields. Additional amenities at the Complex include the Sam Lena Park, the Willie Blake Park, and the Kino Environmental Restoration Project. The tickets for baseball events range are about seven dollars for adult entry and kids twelve and under are free, they also offer seven day passes for 30 dollars. A few facts when considering visiting this complex is (1) parking is free, (2) no animals are allowed, (3) no coolers or outside food is permitted, (4) they do accept credit cards and (5) a list of the concessions offered (http://www.tigsports.com/baseball/kino-sports-complex/)
The Sam Lena Park, located at 3400 S. Country Club Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85713, holds two lighted softball fields, outdoor ramadas and restrooms. Follow this link if you would like to rent a field when not in use by youth softball leagues: http://www.kinosportscomplex.com/rental.shtml
Opened in May of 2010 and located at 3525 S. Naco Vista, Tucson, AZ 85713, the Willie Blake Park has two soccer fields, one ramada and restrooms,
The Kino Environmental Restoration Project (KERP) includes a wildlife habitat, a retention basin that serves the irrigation needs of the Complex, and a 2.2-mile-long paved bicycle and pedestrian path (known as The Loop). KERP is an excellent example of a sustainable living community and demonstrates what can be achieved when people join forces and share resources to achieve a common goal. Kino Sports Complex maintains the basin and works closely with other departments to ensure that is meets federal guidelines set forth for an environmental habitat. Doing this they work with Pima County departments like the Health Department, Regional Flood Control District, Department of Transportation and the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department. Overall the new KERP covers 141 acres, containing 28 acres of grassland, mesquite bosque, marsh and upland vegetation and 92 acres that contain flood control structure, a basin earthen berm, and a recreational path. This development was awarded the Chief of Engineers Award of Excellence in 2006 by the Army Corps of Engineers. The project was summarized by judges, “This is truly an exceptional project. It takes an existing mud flat in an arid area and creates aesthetic landscapes, recreation features, flood control, and is a prototype for water harvesting. It is technically sophisticated while appearing natural. It (also) has proved sustainable over the recent drought years.” (Kino Sports Complex website, under the Kino Environmental Restoration Project tab)
Kino Sports Complex also hosts the Gem and Mineral Show, they did this most recently in 2019, it was hosted January 31, 2019- February 17, 2019. The booths at this event (which starting this year all have to acquire permits) include the selling of imports, rugs, minerals, trading, Alaska sea glass, Greenland gems, healing crystals, jewelry, custom rocks and many more. For a list of specific tents and their locations follow the link, https://xpopress.com/show/vendors/41/kino-gem-mineral-show.
One of the upcoming events at Kino Sports Complex is the National Collegiate Sevens Tournament for rugby, this event is projected to bring in thousands of visitors from all over the United States to attend. With the world of rugby rising this event is sure to bring spectators for all teams.
For the community, Kino Sports Complex offers many opportunities for athletes to be seen and become known in the world with tournaments being held their more and more often. With schools like Salpointe Catholic High School gaining more attention for football Tucson is gaining momentum in athletics, so Kino Sports Complex creates the perfect opportunity for athletes of all ages to gain from tournaments being held here.
With a panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, it is a perfect and natural fit for youth, high school, and collegiate grass sports while making a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events, such as The Party (hosted by The Boys and Girls Club of Tucson on November 15th of this year).
For upcoming events, check the calendar at http://www.kinosportscomplex.com/calendar.shtml
