The HUB Sports Center provides events that have a positive impact on youth and the community
by Ed Clark (How’s Business e-newsletter)
Whether it’s an airport, a train station or a computer network, a ‘HUB’ is a place to connect. The HUB Sports Center, at 19619 E. Cataldo, off I-90 and Barker Road in Liberty Lake (behind Freedom RV and Camping World), is a place to connect with the community and a cause. The mission statement is ‘The HUB Sports Center joins the communities of faith, sports, education, business and government to positively impact our youth and region through events and programs that enhance life skills.’ Tours are welcome, just call 509-927-0602 to see this amazing facility. (I recently took a tour and was in awe at the scope of the building and the mission of the organization. It is really a must see facility.)
The HUB Sports Center is a nonprofit, community-based regional sports venue, in partnership with other community non-profits, where youth, adults and seniors take part in a variety of events and activities. The HUB’s funding sources are a combination of fees and donations. Any surplus funds are returned to the organization to support operation and maintenance of the 66,000 sq. ft. building. The goal is to purchase the building from the current owner and operate as a community-based, regional, non-profit athletics facility.
Built in 2003, the 66,670 square foot HUB Sports Center is the third largest indoor sports venue in Spokane County. It has five full-size basketball courts, plus other configurations including volleyball, wrestling, judo roller derby, badminton, pickleball, cheerleading and more. The Ferris Saxon football team even practiced indoors at the HUB before winning their 2010 state football championship. The HUB also has reception and greeting areas, concessions for major events and tournaments, and three large studios for dance, aerobics, meeting and classrooms. It is available to rent for business functions, corporate team building events, parties and other events.
The HUB Sports Center has hosted several major sports tournaments and events. These include: NAIA Volleyball Regional Tournament, Inland Northwest Collegiate Wrestling Invitational, USA Judo Youth & Scholastic National Championships, AAU Basketball Regional Tournaments, Pacific Northwest Qualifier (PNQ) Volleyball, Freeman High School basketball games, Lilac City Roller Derby, as well as other athletic events.
The HUB also offers an after school program called HUB 360 targeted at ‘at risk’ students in the Central Valley and East Valley school districts. There are 60 program meetings throughout the school year. Students are fed a snack, have study/homework time, physical activity time and guest speakers. Presenters have included Tim Welsh of Garco Construction, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, Matt Santangelo of Hoopfest, Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson, Dave Pier of Brett Sports, Jeff Philips of Rosauers and many more.
An All Star Breakfast fundraiser for the HUB is being held Thursday, September 24 at 7:30 am at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. The program will provide an update on activities and give an outline the HUB’s vision for the future. For more information contact Executive Director, Phil Champlin at 509-927-0602 or email at phil@hubsportscenter.org. The website is hubsportscenter.org.
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