Mansfield hires new management for sports park

The City of Mansfield announces the execution of a public private partnership with KemperSports and REV Entertainment to serve as the new management team of Mansfield Sports Park, the city-owned facility formerly known as Big League Dreams Mansfield. The Mansfield City Council officially approved terms for the operating agreement during its City Council meeting on Sept. 9.

KemperSports will partner with REV Entertainment to rebrand the park, reimagine its programming and reposition the park as an elite tournament destination. Under this new partnership:

KemperSports, a leader in sports complex, golf and hospitality management will oversee the park’s renovation, rebranding and day-to-day operations once the facility reopens.

REV Entertainment, a recognized leader in sports and entertainment and the operator of the in-progress Mansfield Stadium, has been engaged by the city to provide consulting and management services. The REV Entertainment team will ensure the partnership aligns with the City of Mansfield’s vision for the facility while lending their expertise to support the park’s reimagining and transformation.

As part of the agreement, the park will undergo widespread repairs and/or enhancements aimed to elevate both the player and spectator experience by integrating state-of-the-art technology, improving safety and expanding the functionality of the field, concessions, indoor facility and spectator areas.

Renovations include:

- New, high quality turf on all eight fields

- Modern lighting systems for enhanced visibility

- Field expansions to accommodate multi-sport play

- High-definition scoreboards and video displays

- Dugout upgrades for safety and improved player experience

- Flexible, air-conditioned indoor turf space with practice spaces, batting cages, pitching tunnels and multi-sport fields

- Reimagined central plaza with a new, shaded playground, seating areas and open green spaces

- Inclusive Miracle Field for athletes of all abilities to participate

- Upgraded concession areas to allow for expanded options, in-seat ordering and mobile food carts

“As a resident of Mansfield, this project holds special significance for me,” said KemperSports Senior Vice President Steve Goris. “My kids and their friends have played at this park, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help transform it into a space that our entire community can enjoy for years to come.”

REV Entertainment, KemperSports and the City of Mansfield are currently working alongside the design team to develop construction documents and detailed renovation plans. Additional announcements will be made in the coming months, including a timeline, renderings, and other enhancements.

“This partnership with KemperSports and the City of Mansfield will elevate the Sports Park as a premier destination for the DFW community and beyond,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment. “The combined team is excited to hit the ground running and bring exceptional sports and entertainment programming to Mansfield Sports Park.”

KemperSports will also lead efforts to program the facility, with plans for year-round activation that include youth and adult leagues and tournaments, camps and clinics, and community events for a variety of ages, interests and seasons, from movie nights to morning yoga and beyond.

“Our vision is to transform the Mansfield Sports Park into a premier, future-forward destination that sets the national standard for youth sports facilities while seamlessly integrating with the community and adjacent developments,” said City Manager Joe Smolinski. “By reimagining every aspect of the park—from cutting-edge sports amenities to vibrant community spaces—we aim to provide top-tier facilities that also serve as a hub for cultural and community events, ensuring year-round engagement and making the complex a cornerstone of the Mansfield community.”

The revitalization process will begin immediately and the park will reopen after the completion of renovations in Summer 2025.

The Mansfield City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 1, 2023, to terminate the maintenance and operating agreement with Big League Dreams Mansfield, Inc. (BLD) due to a failure to comply with all terms of the agreement and ongoing concerns regarding the condition of the facility. The sports park, 500 Heritage Parkway South, opened in 2008 through a public-private partnership where the City of Mansfield owned the property and BLD operated and maintained the facilities, which included eight ball fields, an indoor pavilion, two sports club restaurants, batting cages, a playground and pro shop. It has been closed since Dec. 1, 2023, when the city began a detailed facility inventory and assessment to determine the repair needs and most feasible plan for future operations.

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