Medford Sports Venues Generate $23M in Economic Impact in 2025

MEDFORD, Ore. (Feb. 5, 2026) — Medford’s investment in recreational facilities delivered strong economic returns in 2025, with two of the city’s premier sports venues — Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, known as Rogue X, and Lithia & Driveway Fields — generating a combined $23.16 million in estimated economic impact, city officials said.

The venues drew visitors from across the region, boosted hotel stays and restaurant traffic, and supported local jobs, underscoring the growing role of sports tourism in southern Oregon’s economy. City leaders said continued investment and strategic partnerships are strengthening Medford’s reputation as a Pacific Northwest destination for youth, collegiate and amateur sports.

Rogue X, which opened in January 2024, generated $9.79 million in estimated economic impact in 2025, welcoming more than 105,000 aquatics visitors and hosting 65 major events in its second year of operation.

Youth sports drove much of the activity, with hundreds of basketball and volleyball teams competing at the complex. A partnership with the Manny Basketball Association accounted for 34% of Rogue X’s total impact, officials said. The venue also hosted futsal, wrestling, boxing, swimming and cornhole events.

Trade shows and special events added to the draw. The two-day Barnstormer’s Holiday Bazaar attracted more than 4,800 attendees and 190 vendors, generating an estimated $229,000 in economic impact.

Rogue X’s competition pool served as a hub for the region’s swim community, hosting high school meets and serving as the home of Rogue Rapids, a low-cost youth competitive swimming program. The recreation pool hosted 1,326 swim lessons and 455 birthday parties, while drop-in visits for basketball, volleyball and pickleball rose 15% compared with 2024.

Since opening, Rogue X has generated an estimated $16.49 million in economic impact — about 21% of its $75.8 million construction cost, according to city figures.

Lithia & Driveway Fields, one of the Northwest’s busiest multi-sport complexes, produced an estimated $13.37 million in economic impact in 2025, welcoming 1,790 teams and 238,462 visitors.

Softball was a major driver, fueled by a partnership with Legacy Sports that brought 238 teams to seven tournaments and 134 teams to four new fall tournaments. Including other events, a total of 339 teams competed, marking a 47% increase over the 2024 record.

Adult slowpitch softball also reached new highs, with 366 teams participating in 19 tournaments, another record for the complex.

Youth baseball remained strong, with 373 teams competing across 10 tournaments, just five shy of the 2024 record. Spring events sold out in six minutes, with many teams placed on waitlists, organizers said.

Collegiate soccer added to the momentum, as the Cascade Collegiate Conference championships returned for a second year, contributing an estimated $455,752 in economic impact. The November tournaments featured 16 NAIA teams from four states and resulted in the use of 717 hotel room nights.

Youth soccer accounted for much of the year-round field use, led by Rogue Valley Timbers Soccer Club practices and games. The club’s annual Memorial Day tournament brought more than 200 teams to Medford, including 70 at Lithia & Driveway Fields, producing an estimated $1.1 million economic boost over three days.

Since opening in 2008, Lithia & Driveway Fields has generated more than $185 million in estimated economic impact from 739 events, including $78 million in visitor spending — more than double its $32.5 million construction cost.

City officials said the combined success of Rogue X and Lithia & Driveway Fields highlights how investment in recreation infrastructure can serve as a long-term economic engine while enhancing quality of life for residents.

Related: Wes Howard Memorial Park, the site that hosts Rogue X, is slated for even more sport-related growth as construction on expanded athletic offerings continues. Read more below or click here.