Sparta Court Center Takes Shape in Sparta

What started as a search for the right piece of land has grown into one of the largest private recreation developments proposed in Sparta.

Wisconsin businessman Greg Howe plans to build the Sparta Court Center, a 52,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex in Sparta's South Pointe Business Park. It will feature eight indoor volleyball courts that can be converted into eight pickleball courts, four outdoor sand volleyball courts, four golf simulators, a restaurant and bar, and other recreational ideas in the works.

Howe said the project will serve as a year-round destination that attracts athletes, families, and visitors from throughout Wisconsin and possibly other states.

"We think we're bringing things that people don't really have right now," Howe said. "There will be opportunities for just about everybody to come and enjoy some time playing, watching, relaxing, or eating."

The facility's primary tenant is expected to be Elevate Volleyball, a regional club program with multiple teams that currently travels throughout the Midwest for practices and tournaments. While Elevate is not directly involved in ownership of the Sparta Court Center, Howe said the organization will likely use the facility extensively.

The center will also host youth, high school, adult, and club volleyball events, as well as pickleball leagues and tournaments. The facility will have year-round activity inside and out. Anyone will be able to visit their website and rent court space or sign up for leagues.

Howe believes the complex can draw visitors from throughout western Wisconsin, including the La Crosse area, the Wisconsin Dells region, and communities as far as Milwaukee and the Twin Cities.

"If we position ourselves as a really awesome place to play, whether that's the courts, the accommodations, or the parking, I think we're going to draw pretty far," Howe said.

The project will also include four TrackMan golf simulator bays, which Howe said represent some of the most advanced golf simulation technology available. He expects league play, hourly rentals, and membership opportunities to become a significant part of the business.

Outside, plans currently call for up to four sand volleyball courts, with room to expand if needed. Howe is also exploring additional recreational opportunities on the property, including a possible disc golf course.

Beyond sports, Howe sees the project as an economic development opportunity for Sparta.

He estimates the facility could employ approximately 30 people once the restaurant and bar are fully operational. The project is expected to generate additional business for local hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and retailers by bringing tournament traffic into the community.

When asked why he chose Sparta, Howe pointed to the city's South Pointe Business Park and the support he received from city officials.

"The piece of land fit every need I was looking for," Howe said. "The size, convenience to the freeway, the roads were ready, the utilities were ready, the stormwater was ready. It doesn't get any better than this."

He praised Sparta's willingness to work with developers.

"Sparta has been great to work with," Howe said. "Most municipalities aren't there trying to really help you, but these guys are. Nothing but good things to say about the City of Sparta."

Construction could begin later this year if state approvals and local permits proceed as planned. Howe hopes portions of the facility, including the volleyball courts and golf simulators, could be operational during the next club volleyball season, with the restaurant opening afterward.

For Howe, a longtime Culver's franchise owner who is partnering with his family, including daughter Molly, on the project, success will be measured by more than financial returns.

Ten years from now, he hopes residents view the Sparta Court Center as a community asset that helped bring new visitors and opportunities to the city.

"You really hope it's a positive part of the community that helps lots of different people," Howe said. "This is a big deal for me, and I hope it draws more people into Sparta to see what's going on here."

"Whether people are into volleyball, pickleball, golf, frisbee golf, or whatever it ends up being out there. We think there'll be opportunities for just about everybody to come and enjoy some time relaxing, playing, or watching; there'll be a lot of spectators, with parking for 300 vehicles."

Mayor Kevin Riley, City Administrator Todd Fahning, and Sparta Chamber CEO, Lance Hauser, have described the project as a significant investment in Sparta's future, one that could establish the city as a regional destination for youth sports, recreation, and tourism.

If all goes according to plan, the first volleyballs could be flying across the courts in early 2027. For Howe, however, the project is about more than sports.

"It's really cool when a community wants you to be successful," he said. "I think it's been a perfect situation for both Molly and me and the city."

Anyone interested in more information about the Elevate Volleyball Club can visit elevatevbc.club.