Youth sports, entertainment complex coming to Jackson

Adventure Sports & Entertainment LLC has been approved by the Jackson Township Zoning Board to build a $21 million youth sports and entertainment facility in Jackson.

The facility is said to be the first of its kind in the New York metro area, according to Adventure Sports, and is expected to have a $13.5 million annual economic impact on the local area.

The complex is slated for completion in early 2019. It will sit on approximately 87 acres of land at the Jackson Crossing complex and feature a 117,000-square-foot sports bubble connected to 45,000 square feet of recreational space.

“By developing a first-class, multiday and stay complex, we’re providing a unique destination for athletes and their families to play and enjoy sports and entertainment year-round in a convenient location,“ said Vito Cardinale, president of Cardinale Enterprises.

Adventure Sports expects to employ about 200 area residents.

“Hosting tournaments and clinics year-round will draw visitors from outside of New Jersey, and offering amenities for local sports teams and the community will keep our focus on serving and giving back to our local community,” said Allan Proske, chief financial officer, Adventure Sports & Entertainment. “As the $9 billion youth sports tourism business continues to grow, we’re creating an opportunity for the local Jackson community to become a major player in regional and national tournament play.”