Key Takeaways
• Oneida County plans The Runway, a 400,000 sq ft indoor sports center at Griffiss International Airport.
• The Runway will be New York’s largest and second largest in the U.S., hosting multiple sports.
• Project aims to boost tourism, local economy, and international sports participation, still in proposal phase.
Oneida County’s bold new proposal to turn a large part of Griffiss International Airport into a sports and recreation center could change how people in the region connect, play, and welcome visitors. The plan, if successful, is set to make Griffiss International Airport not just a place for airplanes, but the new home for The Runway—the biggest indoor sports facility in all of New York State and the second biggest in the United States 🇺🇸.
This article explains what Oneida County has planned, why it matters for visitors and local people, and how it could help the area grow. We’ll use clear language and take a closer look at what The Runway would offer, how Griffiss International Airport is more than just a place for planes, and why this idea stands out. As reported by VisaVerge.com, such ambitious projects are part of how cities and counties across the country try to bring new life to old or unused spaces, bringing people together for sports and bigger economic goals.
Oneida County Steps Forward With A Vision
The proposal was unveiled by County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. in his 2025 State of the County address. He explained that all parts of tourism are important for the local economy. Oneida County wants to turn 400,000 square feet of vacant hangar space at Griffiss International Airport in Rome into a new indoor sports complex, known as The Runway.
Picente pointed out that Oneida County can already bring people here “from all over the country and the world,” but with The Runway, the goal is to do even more. He also stressed that this would be the largest facility of its kind in New York State and only second in size across the nation, showing just how big the project could be.
What Makes The Runway Special?
Let’s break down what is planned for The Runway at Griffiss International Airport:
- Size: 400,000 square feet—larger than most American sports complexes.
– Location: Inside unused airplane hangars at Griffiss International Airport. - Purpose: To create a place where thousands can play sports, train, enjoy recreation, and attend or compete in tournaments.
- Who It’s For: Both local residents (especially young people) and visitors from across the country and other nations.
Which Sports Can You Play?
The plan includes support for many popular sports. Here’s what The Runway could offer once finished:
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
– Baseball and Softball - Basketball
- Wrestling and Gymnastics
- Volleyball
- Flag Football
- Pickleball and Tennis
The sports lineup is designed to attract everyone from young athletes to adults, teams from around the region, and even from other parts of the world. This focus on a wide range of activities means the center could be full of life year-round.
Beyond the Games: Cafes, Lodging, and More
To make visits comfortable and enjoyable, Oneida County also plans to add:
- Lodging: Suitable for teams, coaches, families, and out-of-town players.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Places to eat and relax, whether you’re here for a day or a weekend.
- Tourism Appeal: The proposal even mentions possible features like a distillery or brewery, aimed at drawing adults who are interested in tasting locally made drinks and exploring what the region has to offer.
These features want to help the region benefit not just from games, but from longer stays and extra spending by visitors, especially those coming from far away.
Why Build at Griffiss International Airport?
Griffiss International Airport is already a unique place. Once a busy military base, it now has open hangar space and has become a center for different types of activities. The airport’s location in Rome, New York, is central to the region and easy to reach by car or even by small airplane.
Instead of letting the old hangars sit empty, Oneida County plans to fill them with people, energy, and sports action. Not only does this make the best use of existing buildings, but it ties the airport back to the local community. The plan also hopes to create a new image of the airport—a place for both travel and gathering.
Aiming High: Bringing in Tourists and New Business
Oneida County’s goals for The Runway are big, but also practical. The plan wants to:
- Use airport hangar space that is not needed for planes
- Bring more tourists to the region through tournaments and large events
- Give young people more reasons to stay fit, learn skills, and connect with friends
- Support local hotels, restaurants, and shops by increasing visitor numbers
- Attract teams and families from all over the United States 🇺🇸 and even other countries
When a sports event lasts several days, visitors need places to sleep, eat, and shop. This extra activity can bring millions of dollars into the community over time, helping local businesses grow and creating jobs.
Picente summed up the vision by saying, “All aspects of tourism are a gigantic and vital part of our economy.” When thousands of new people visit Griffiss International Airport for sports, they may also explore downtown Rome or other nearby attractions.
No Construction Yet: What Happens Next?
It’s important to know that everything is still in the proposal phase. Before anyone can break ground or bring in teams, several steps need to be completed, such as:
- Environmental studies (to check for any negative effects on nature or nearby areas)
- Gathering public input (so local people can share their thoughts or worries)
- Developing building plans and designs
- Arranging for funding and figuring out how to pay for the project
- Setting construction schedules and timelines
So far, no dates have been set for when work would start or finish, and no blueprints have been released for public review. People interested in following updates may watch the Oneida County government website for the latest updates or information about when they can share their opinions.
Griffiss International Airport: More Than Just Planes
Oneida County’s airport is best known for its past as a military base and its present as a hub for new and surprising uses. For example, the SkyDome facility at Griffiss International Airport recently hosted the United States 🇺🇸 drone soccer national championships. This event shows the airport’s ability to bring together technology, innovation, and sports.
This focus on newer forms of activities, such as drone competitions, sets an example for how other airports or large buildings might find new life. The hope is that, with The Runway, the airport could be known far and wide as a place where something exciting is always happening, from drone races to basketball tournaments and more.
Why Is This Relevant for Immigration and International Visitors?
Indoor sports tournaments often attract teams and families from other cities, states, and even countries. Large complexes like The Runway can become key locations for international youth tournaments or cultural exchange events. These activities encourage people from around the world to visit, play, and experience life in Oneida County. This is especially important for countries working to boost tourism and strengthen positive connections with other places.
From a legal or immigration standpoint, events at The Runway could mean:
- Some foreign teams will need help securing the correct visitor visas to compete
- Families may use temporary travel approvals to join their children at tournaments
- Event organizers and county officials will work with federal authorities to make sure that participants from abroad have the documents they need
For anyone needing to check travel and entry requirements, the U.S. Department of State’s Visitor Visa (B-2) page gives official information about how to apply, what documents are required, and how long the approval process can take.
Bringing in athletes and guests from overseas not only helps local sports, but also helps local businesses, language schools, and travel planners. It can also lead to deeper friendships and better understanding between people of different cultures.
Economic Impact: More Than Just Sports
Building The Runway at Griffiss International Airport isn’t just about keeping kids busy or filling up empty space. The long-term effects could reach far beyond the airport.
- Jobs: Construction workers, designers, hotel and restaurant staff, and coaches would be in higher demand.
- Local Economy: Hotels, shops, and restaurants in Rome and the broader Oneida County area could see higher sales.
- Tourism: If families stay for several days to attend tournaments, they may explore local parks, museums, or other attractions, leaving more money in the local economy.
- Community Spirit: Large sports facilities often host charity events, school competitions, or cultural celebrations, giving everyone reasons to gather and build stronger ties.
What Are The Challenges?
With every big idea comes some worries. Here are questions local people and experts might ask:
- How much will it cost, and where will the money come from?
- Will the airport still have enough room for future flights or other business uses?
- What about traffic and parking? Can roads around Griffiss International Airport handle more visitors?
- How can county leaders make sure all voices are heard before moving forward?
- Are there risks of harming the environment or surrounding neighborhoods?
Public input sessions and environmental studies will be key steps before building can begin. These sessions allow community members to share concerns, ask about noise, and suggest changes.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The move to grow Griffiss International Airport’s purpose is not new. Many cities across the United States 🇺🇸 and other countries are re-imagining airports, train stations, or warehouses as places where people can come together, whether for sports, public art, markets, or education.
By filling The Runway with life, Oneida County wants to become a destination, not just a stopover. This could help Rome and Oneida County become known across the United States 🇺🇸 for more than their historic sites, adding another reason for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to spend time in the region.
Conclusion: Waiting for Takeoff
The proposal to build The Runway at Griffiss International Airport shows how an old idea—sports bringing people together—can give new purpose to old buildings and help a community move forward. Oneida County’s dream of turning empty hangars into the biggest indoor sports hub in New York State is still in the planning phase, but it highlights the hopes of local leaders and the value they see in welcoming both national and international guests.
For now, everyone—from sports families to city planners—will watch to see if the plans for The Runway take shape. If they do, the benefits could reach far beyond the field, from healthier kids to happier tourists, stronger local businesses, and even deeper international friendships. Oneida County, Griffiss International Airport, and The Runway may soon become a trio known well beyond Rome, showing how a community can imagine and achieve something new and exciting.
For ongoing updates on The Runway and related projects, readers can visit the official Oneida County projects page. Keep an eye on how this ambitious plan unfolds and what it could mean for both the local community and international visitors for years to come.
Learn Today
The Runway → A proposed 400,000 sq ft indoor sports complex planned at Griffiss International Airport in New York.
Griffiss International Airport → A former military base in Rome, New York, now used for various civilian activities.
Visitor Visa (B-2) → A U.S. visa for foreigners to visit temporarily for tourism or recreational activities.
Indoor Sports Facility → A large enclosed area designed for multiple sporting events and tournaments year-round.
Public Input → A participatory process for local residents to share opinions on proposed community projects.
This Article in a Nutshell
Oneida County’s proposal transforms Griffiss International Airport into The Runway, a massive indoor sports hub. This vision could energize local tourism, create jobs, and establish New York’s largest facility, attracting national and international athletes, while revitalizing unused airport space into a vibrant community and economic center.
— By VisaVerge.com
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