ROSSFORD, Ohio — The Bulldog community got a first look inside their brand new, $16 million athletic facility. The "R" complex is 73,600 square feet and features a turf football field stretching about 50 yards, a film study room and athletic offices.
The complex also includes golf simulators, a dedicated wrestling practice room and lounge space.
The facility doesn't just have space for athletics. It also has an e-sports room and space for the school's band to practice.
Rossford Athletic Director Bryan Smith says the space is something the community can be proud of, while also attracting new families to the district.
"What we're doing now is, you're a Bulldog when you start in Rossford, and you're a Bulldog when you graduate in Rossford," Smith said.
"Having our youth clinics and our youth programs here, they can start at a young age, and grow through the Rossford school district. That speaks volumes. Winning is great, but we also have a place we can teach life lessons for our students here with teamwork, our mission and vision statement here at Rossford Schools."
The "R" complex Rossford Bulldogs
No new tax dollars were needed to fund the project. Instead, enterprise zone funds, like the Amazon Fulfillment Center payments, were used to pay the bill.
District leaders have long been in talks about developing an in-house facility that would allow an indoor space for sports like baseball, soccer and even the marching band to practice.
Classrooms will be set up for additional STEM courses.
Rossford Superintendent Dan Creps said e-sports is becoming increasingly common, allowing students to compete with others around the world.
He said the ultimate goal is to have the facility open up to the public, however, that move would be "schedule-driven."
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