By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
Photos by EA News Staff/contributed
Everything starts with a dream,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said to the enormous crowd that filled the open floor of the Field House at 17 Springs Tuesday afternoon. It was the general public’s first chance to see this dream turn into reality. The Wow factor was in high gear as people made their first entrance onto the 120-acre property, saw the Field House standing tall, the football field and professional track that surrounds it. Most are familiar with the pickle ball and tennis courts, as well as the soccer fields which have already been enjoyed by thousands since Phase I opened.
With Phase II now operational, there will be many more opportunities for the public to visit and see all of the facilities. Most will never understand the years of planning, or work that went into the dream, and the partnership that made it possible. However, for generations to come, residents and out of state visitors will enjoy the fruit of the planners’ labor.
A partnership of five separate entities is almost unheard of on this level. They include the City of Millbrook, the Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Schools, Greater Montgomery YMCA/Grandview Family YMCA and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority.
To hear from individuals representing each entity at the ribbon cutting and their full comments, visit https://www.facebook.com/YMCAofGreaterMontgomery/videos/606028755728189
Upon entering the doors, many were greeted with cheers by Stanhope Elmore High School students representing athletics and multiple other programs from the campus. While the football field will be the home stadium next year, it is available to other programs as well.
Pictures will never do it justice. There aren’t enough words to perfectly explain it. If you did not have a chance to visit the facility on Tuesday, you now have chances every day to see the grounds, visit athletic events, or other public functions. The dream is indeed reality.
On another positive note, the first soccer games were played on the main field of Phase II, with the SEHS Varsity boys’ defeating Opelika 4-0, and the Girls’ game ending in a tie.
Prior to the game area officials were led on to the field for the National Anthem and recognized.
When it comes to sporting events, or any large gathering event, it is a new era in Elmore County and central Alabama.
SEHS Head Coach Hunter Adams was all smiles, as he led us to the locker rooms for both home and visitors. He pointed out the long hallway, or tunnel, where players will exit onto the field.
He said in his wildest imagination, he never dreamed he would see this come to Millbrook. “I could imagine some type of facility, but imagining a facility that far surpasses anything in the state didn’t even seem real. And now it is here.”
17 Springs offers the enormous Field House. In the expansive room on the bottom level will be a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball and wrestling events. Multiple outdoor ballfields, the football field, the professional track, and more are designed for top-tier play.
There is plenty of event space for concerts, food trucks and more. It is the perfect location for large tournaments. There are meeting spaces available for business meetings, workshops or community events. Conference rooms are available with all the modern technology for presentations.
The press box at the top of the 80,000 square foot field house is expansive, with plenty of technology for local sports or event coverage. There is a catering area for private and public events when needed. The mezzanine gives a lofty view of the entire football arena and for track and field events.
The big screens on the field will be perfect for those even in the highest seats.
Once the Marketplace is complete, it will include hotels, restaurants and much more yet to be announced. The good news is that most of the spots within the Marketplace are spoken for, and you can expect more information on that very soon from the EAN staff.
Hours of Operation:
Tennis and Pickleball are open Sunday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Court lights are available at dusk. Other facilities are for event rental only or public events.
If you are interested in reserving your event, visit www.17springs.org/book-now/
From 17 Springs: “What an exciting day! The grand opening of 17 Springs marks a new era for sports and community events in Elmore County. Phase II includes the stadium, baseball/softball complex, and 80,000 sq ft indoor complex which can host national tournaments and conferences! Huge thanks to the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, City of Millbrook, Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Economic Development, and Elmore County Public Schools for making this vision a reality! Thank you to everyone who showed up today to support this new adventure! Let the games begin! 🥎⚽️🏀⚾️
#17Springs #CommunityStrong #GrandOpening”
