Multi-million dollar SportsPlex open

GULF SHORES, Ala. - Five-million dollars can buy five softball fields, a two level press box, and concession stand for hungry fans. Gulf Shores Sportsplex is in its final phase of construction.

The first phase, which included a football field, has been here since 2001. With this addition, the facility will be a multi-purpose site. Recreation director Harold Samples said the build is worth the money.

"It's going to be an economic boosts. That's one of the reasons we built it," said Samples. The Program coordinator for the park said the addition is a huge selling point to attract state and national sports events.

"Of course, this is going to help to be able to have another asset in our community and things for people to do," said Brigette Reynolds.

There is still one more task ahead for city leaders.They hope to add on at least one more soccer field. They would have done this time around, but the economy took a nosedive.

"Money, we had to make sure what we were going to have here first and that was going to be alternate. We could not get that in the plan, but we hopefully in the future we can."

In the meantime, this weekend the park will see its first guests. Gulf Shores High School will host a softball tournament at the park.

"Come on, get out in the weather and watch them play ball."

The first phase of the project also has track and soccer fields. There is no word yet on when the final soccer field may be built.