Buda is investing significantly in sports infrastructure to attract regional and national tournaments, following the City Council's approval of $3 million in funding from the Buda Economic Development Corporation on August 26, 2026.
The corporation provided two separate contributions of $1.5 million each. The most recent installment was approved by the EDC Board on May 11, 2026. Both contributions support construction costs and earlier design and pre-construction work for Buda Championship Park's expansion.
Once completed, the facility will accommodate up to 112 softball or baseball teams during three-day tournaments. The park will feature eight softball fields with adjustable base lines, twenty batting cages, and NCAA Division I sand-draining surfaces with evening lighting. The fields can host collegiate-level softball and 12U baseball competition.
The project includes four re-sodded fields for soccer and flag football, more than 800 parking spaces, and controlled gate entry for event ticketing.
Mayor Lee Urbanovsky stated the partnership positions Buda to host tournaments that will bring thousands of visitors, benefiting local restaurants, shops, hotels, and businesses.
Jim Niemie, Board President of the Buda EDC, characterized the investment as supporting economic development beyond the park itself, potentially introducing athletes, families, and tournament organizers to local commercial establishments.
The City and EDC signed an eight-year performance agreement establishing shared goals for tournament attraction and economic activity generation. The agreement sets measurable targets beginning in the third full calendar year of operation: the city must host at least eleven qualifying tournaments annually, averaging at least twenty-eight teams per tournament.
Long-term objectives call for at least thirteen qualifying tournaments annually in later years and a minimum aggregate of sixty-five qualifying tournaments during years four through eight of the agreement.
Jennifer Storm, Chief Executive Officer of the Buda EDC, said the partnership aligns investments in infrastructure, tourism, and economic development around a common objective of creating an experience that encourages visitors to stay in the community.
Within five miles of the park, Buda has over 700 hotel rooms, thirty restaurants and food trucks, and 260,000 square feet of retail space, including Cabela's. Family-friendly attractions in the area include Inspired Minds Art Center, Pinballz Arcade, and sixteen parks.
The city is located along the Interstate 35 corridor in Hays County.
Source: This report is based on information published by City of Buda.
