Agenda 12/09/2025 Item #10C (Directing the County Manager to conduct a third-party operational assessment of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, including facility managememt, field use, event operations and related performance components)12/9/2025
Item # 10.C
ID# 2025-4902
Executive Summary
Recommendation to consider directing the County Manager to conduct a third-party operational assessment of the
Paradise Coast Sports Complex, including facility management, field use, event operations, and related performance
components, and return findings and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for further policy
direction.
OBJECTIVE: To authorize the County Manager to engage a qualified independent firm to conduct a comprehensive
operational review of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and provide a performance report with recommendations.
CONSIDERATIONS: The County and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (“SFM”) entered into Facilities
Management Agreement No. 21-7898 governing SFM’s management of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on
November 12, 2021, which requires SFM to enter into and administer agreements involving booking commitments,
advertising, concessions, and similar tasks associated with managing, promoting, and upkeep of the Sports Complex.
On behalf of the County, and consistent with its duties under Article 9.2 of the Agreement, SFM sought out an ownership
group that had been authorized by the United Soccer Leagues (the "USL") to enter into a rental use agreement to utilize
the venue as a home field location to promote the venue and bring a public benefit to the County.
On January 9, 2024, the Board approved the Facility License Agreement negotiated by SFM with independent
professional soccer league United Soccer Leagues, LLC, for Team Operator FC Naples USL, LLC, regarding a stadium
use arrangement at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
With the successful completion of FC Naples’s inaugural season and planning underway for expanded fields, enhanced
programming, and long-term facility development, it is an appropriate time to conduct an independent operational
assessment of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex (“the Complex”). To inform policy decisions on future operations,
partnerships, and facility development, an objective review by a qualified third-party firm is recommended. The
proposed assessment should include, but not be limited to, the following key areas:
Overall Operations & Efficiency:
Evaluation of management systems, workflow, operational practices, financial processes, sponsorship development, and
long-term strategic potential.
Sports Facilities Management (SFM) Performance:
Review of SFM’s operational effectiveness and leadership performance, including an operational report card for SFM
that includes site management responsibilities.
Relationship Between SFM & FC Naples:
Assessment of coordination, communication, shared operational responsibilities, and overall effectiveness of this
partnership.
Field Use & Scheduling Efficiency:
Analysis of field allocation, utilization rates, maintenance coordination, and the effectiveness of scheduling practices to
maximize use of County assets.
Event Management & Revenue Maximization:
Review of SFM’s execution and monetization of tournaments, athletic programs, concerts, and specialty events,
including lacrosse programming, FBU Football Camp, and similar activities.
Future Event Opportunities:
Identification of missed opportunities and strategic recommendations to expand event recruitment, community
programming, and revenue-generation potential.
Food & Beverage Operations:
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12/9/2025
Item # 10.C
ID# 2025-4902
Assessment of menu quality, timeliness, and quality of service, customer experience, operational efficiency, and
profitability.
Following completion of the assessment, staff will return to the Board with findings, recommendations, and policy
options regarding long-term operational approaches for the Complex.
This directive will support strategic decision-making and ensure the Paradise Coast Sports Complex continues to
maximize community value, economic impact, and long-term operational success.
FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact will vary based on the selected firm and the scope of work. Funding needs and
options will be provided to the Board once proposals are solicited and evaluated.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this action.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal issues and requires
a majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION(S): To direct the County Manager to initiate a third-party operational assessment of the
Paradise Coast Sports Complex, including facility management, field use, and event operations, and return the findings
and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for policy direction and potential corrective actions.
PREPARED BY: Commissioner Rick LoCastro, Commissioner District 1
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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