Jacobs Entertainment building 4 multi-use sports fields in Downtown Reno by Summer 2026

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Jacobs Entertainment is launching a Downtown Reno Amateur Sports Association and has plans to build a dozen sports fields.

“We saw the demand for soccer fields in the area and in northern California as well, and we have so much flatland here in downtown that we figured to be a community partner and start helping out,” says Richard Jacobs, Assistant Director of Group Sales and Special Events at the J Resort.

“We’ll be seeing families, young kids down here in Downtown Reno, which is a juxtaposition from what it was not too long ago,” says Jacobs.

The first phase of the project would include 4 fields.

“For these first few fields, we’re really only looking at using them for younger kids because they are smaller fields. They’re going to be 7 v 7 and 9 v 9. The 9 v 9 encompasses 12 and under, that’s the age group. 7 v 7 is 10 and under,” says Jacobs.

Mayor Hillary Schieve pointed to benefits of sports when it comes to youth mental health.

“I think this is really out of the box and it’s exciting,” says Schieve.

Councilwoman Naomi Duerr raised some concerns over the current plan for artificial turf and encouraged developers to consider grass.

“Artificial turf has its own challenges. Perhaps it’s something where you can start with artificial turf and over time, it takes a few years for real grass to grow in. But it would do great things for the environment. It would allow water to soak in. It would help cleanse the water that’s so near the Truckee River. I just think it’s something that as they get into it, they should consider,” said Duerr.

But Jacobs says that real grass is expensive, especially here in Reno with the dry climate.

“Right now, we’re leaning towards artificial turf just because of the maintenance costs that are involved with real grass. We have the J Resort’s Festival grounds just behind me here, and that’s real grass, and that kind of opened our eyes to just how much that costs,” said Jacobs.

City Councilman Devon Reese spoke to the revitalization projects happening throughout the Biggest Little City.

“The City of Reno is very grateful for people who are making those investments, and if you look, Reno is on the map. You have a new arena at the GSR, we’ve been able to participate in that. You have a new USL soccer league over at the former Corwin Ford dealership. Things are happening here. I think the Aces are probably next on deck to really start thinking about the critical investments in our region,” said Reese.

The J Resort already has land for three of the fields within walking distance of the casino and hotel property. The remaining fields would open over 6 years.

The first fields are set to open in June 2026 with a youth soccer tournament planned with 40 teams.

“We are partnered with Randy Ritter and Reno Apex. They have their roots tapped pretty deeply in the Reno community, so yeah, there’s going to be plenty of outreach, and they’ll have plenty of opportunities to play on the fields,” said Jacobs.

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