Greater Binghamton Sports Complex rebuilding delayed after collapse: When will it open?
The recent collapse of the framing of the new sports center being constructed on Airport Road has pushed back the project's completion by seven to eight weeks.
The owners of the facility and the Town of Union are separately analyzing the cause of the collapse of the structure, which was to become the new inside athletic facility at the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex. The previous structure, an air-supported dome, collapsed during the record-breaking snowstorm in December 2020.
Lila Kashou McKenna, daughter of owner Bahij Kashou, said contractors missed a sequencing of operation during construction and high winds and frame instability led to the collapse Nov. 21.
“So that’s how the damage was caused,” McKenna said. “It’s unfortunate and it sets the project back about seven to eight weeks, but luckily and thank God no one was hurt. It was just a fluke thing.”
McKenna said the completion of the Sports Complex, which was less than 5% completed when the collapse occurred, is now expected to occur in April. Construction on the new facility began earlier this year and was originally scheduled to be completed in early 2022.
“We’ve had a hard year,” McKenna said. “It’s really been heartbreaking for our family.”
Delta Engineers, Architects & Surveyors, of Endwell, is analyzing the cause of the collapse for the Kashous. Town of Union Supervisor Rick Materese said the town has also hired an independent company to look into the collapse.
A big part of the community
Amy Wasser, whose children have used the Sports Complex, said the Kashou family has continued to show their commitment and support to the youth and sports in the Binghamton area.
“Our family has been fortunate to be a part of the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex for nearly four years,” said Wasser, who is from Binghamton. “Our two children, Will and Ben, have found a second home at the dome. Having traveled to many places, our boys will tell you that their favorite place is the dome and playing soccer with their teammates.”
Wasser said the Kashou family has provided a safe place for children to continue sports during a difficult time.
“It’s time for our community to rally and support the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex family,” Wasser said.
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After the dome collapsed, the Kashous revamped their other sports facility, the Edge Sports Complex on Vestal Road, and moved much of the operation there.
“They do so much for the community such as memorial benefits, fundraisers, tournaments, and much more,” said Gina Ritter of Johnson City. “I have been a loyal customer for years and am so excited for the new facility.”
Ritter said she was disheartened when she saw comments from the community on social media about the two collapses and condition of the facility.
“Not only do I have soccer friends, but I have friends for life because of the Kashou family bringing us together,” Ritter said.
Endwell's Jim Morris, whose son plays soccer at the Sports Complex, said he is glad to see the contracting issues and building process is being looked at, fixed and the work will continue.
“I don’t know why people have to be so negative about the efforts,” Morris said. “The people that own the Sports Complex on Airport Road have been awesome for all of us.”
The Greater Binghamton Sports Complex hosts soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball, volleyball, and other field sports, and also has outdoor fields adjacent to Airport Road.
“In the Binghamton area we annually bring in almost $20 million to this community hosting tournaments, clinics, and other different events at our facilities,” McKenna said. “We have a huge following. We have different teams and leagues that come here playing sports ranging from just 2-years-olds up to 85-years-old.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Greater Binghamton Sports Complex to open in April after collapse
